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Quartet principals meet with Tony Blair in Washington DC to promote direct negotiations

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hosted a working dinner with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, EU High Representative Cathy Ashton, and Quartet Representative Tony Blair, at the Department of State.

Tony Blair, speaking before the meeting, said the meeting would look to put together a set of principles that can guide a framework for negotiations.

"I'm not sure it's going to be possible to do that right tonight. But we are in the process of discussing how – how it is you would set out a framework of principles that would make this a credible negotiation, bring the parties back to the negotiating table," he told Wolf Blitzer on CNN’s Situation Room.

"And President Obama when he set out in this speeches here in America a short time ago, the types of – of principles that – that would allow us to make progress in this.

"I think the blueprint is to recognise you're not going to go back to precisely the same borders as 1967, because of the changes that have taken place. But 1967 borders with mutually agreed negotiated swaps is obviously the right way forward. But then you've got security issues.

"Israel obviously will want to protect it's security, and particularly with the changes in the region will be even more anxious about that. You've got Jerusalem, an absolutely vital issue for both parties. And, of course, refugees. So I think it – it should be possible. I hope it's possible in the coming time. And let's hope we can make a start tonight in setting up some principles that allow us to make progress, and get the two sides to negotiate this solution.

"Otherwise you're left with a very difficult situation in the United Nations in September where the Palestinians in a sense have a frustration with the absence of – of credible negotiations have taken this to the United Nations. And us desiring as an international community to get the parties to discuss it around the table."

A State Department official speaking after the meeting characterised the discussion as excellent and substantive with a full and complete exchange of views.

"This was an opportunity for them that they’ve not had in a little while to compare notes on recent developments and have a serious discussion on what next steps are necessary.

"The Quartet principals once again expressed their support for the President’s remarks that President Obama delivered in May, and in light of that vision the Quartet principals are reiterating the feeling that they see that there’s an urgent need to appeal to the parties to overcome current obstacles and find a way to resume direct negotiations without delay or preconditions and to begin with a preparatory phase of talks to maximise the chances of success.

"The principals concluded this evening, based on their recent conversations with the parties, however, that there are still gaps that are impeding progress. And they concluded that realistically, for the Quartet, more work needs to be done to close those gaps before the Quartet can go forth publicly with the kinds of statements that might allow the parties to actually break through the impasse.

"But the members of the Quartet reiterated also that they remain committed as a group, collectively and individually, to continue this effort and continue their intense engagement with the parties.

"Clearly, as I said, more work needs to be done, and the members of the Quartet will remain in close coordination as they tackle this difficult challenge. And in fact, the envoys have agreed to meet again tomorrow morning to continue this discussion under the guidance of our principals.

"We’re realistic about the gaps. We know that more work needs to be done. But ultimately, we have to say, of course, it’s up to the parties to make the tough decisions required for peace, and we’re going to stand ready to help and facilitate in any and every way possible and continue our close engagement.

"The Quartet will continue its meetings at various levels, and we look forward to doing all we can to advance this effort."