Latest News
Tony Blair addresses the 5th Israeli Presidential Conference in Jerusalem
Speaking about the need to restart the peace process, the Quartet Representative said: "The window of opportunity will be open for only a short period of time. We must go through it together. If not the window will close and could close forever. Time is not our friend. This is urgent. This is now. This is the time for statesmen not politicians.” Read the full speech...
Blair congratulates Dr. Rami AL Hamdallah on his appointment as the next Palestinian PM
I believe that the viability of the future Palestinian state will depend on a strong and sustainable economy, and I believe that we need to continue to grow the economy in parallel with the resumption of political talks. ...
Statement from OQR on the Economic Plan to boost the Palestinian Economy
The plan will complement, support and run in parallel with a renewed political process, and is not intended to replace that political process. ...
Quartet Representative Statement on the recent tension in Jerusalem
Quartet Representative Tony Blair said "I am concerned over the rising tension in the holy places in Jerusalem and the scenes of violence that we witnessed during Easter. I urge Israel to respect and guarantee free access for believers from all religions to their respective holy places for worship"....
OQR Assesses the Situation in Gaza
Restrictions on movement and access between Israel and the Gaza Strip have been tightened in the last month. An OQR team, led by Head of Mission Dr. Firas Raad, visited Gaza last week to meet with private sector and civil society representatives to discuss the impact of these restrictions on the Gazan economy. ...
Folke Bernadotte Academy Delegation Visits OQR
On April 11 a delegation from the Swedish Folke Bernadotte Academy met with Head of Mission Dr. Firas Raad and Deputy Head of Mission Mark Singleton at the Office of the Quartet Representative. The Swedish delegation was led by Director-General Mr. Sven-Erik Soder. ...
Quartet Representative Tony Blair expresses concern over rising tension on the ground
I am deeply troubled by the loss of life and call on the Government of Israel to exercise maximum restraint in dealing with the demonstrations in the West Bank. I also call on all sides to avoid public statements that could further fuel the tensions”....
What Happened at the AHLC
Chair of the meeting, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, emphasized the urgency of resuming the political process for a two-state solution, as well as increasing concerns over the Palestinian economy and fiscal position of the PA. He called on donors for predictable financial assistance, on the PA to continue its structural reforms, and on Israel to significantly ease restrictions particularly on movement of goods and people, and development of Area C. ...
OQR Reports to the AHLC
More than ever, this AHLC meeting comes at a profoundly important time for the Palestinian Authority. Quartet Representative Tony Blair signals cautious optimism for progress on the political track, and calls for simultaneous - and radical - change on the ground to improve the lives of Palestinians and shore up a sustainable Palestinian economy as the cornerstone of the Palestinian State, living side by side in peace with Israel....
Quartet Representative Tony Blair comments on Palestinian prisoners' hunger strike
Read Mr Blair's statement on the situation...
