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Israel's Welcome of Quartet Proposal is a Positive First Step

Washington, DC - Americans for Peace Now (APN) views the Israeli government's welcome of the international Quartet's call for direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, without preconditions, as a positive step. APN calls on both the government of Israel and the Palestinian leadership to fully endorse the Quartet's formula, and, on the basis of this formula, to return to negotiations.

APN's President and CEO Debra DeLee said: "The Quartet's proposal offers an opportunity for both sides to enter into negotiations in good faith, under the aegis of the international community. Both Israel and the Palestinians should say 'yes' rather than 'yes, but' to this proposal. Clearly, both sides have concerns and reservations about the Quartet's proposal, including understandable Palestinian concerns about continued Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Just last week the Israeli government approved a major construction project in East Jerusalem."

"Nonetheless, the Israeli statement welcoming the proposal should be viewed as a positive first step. The Israeli government should commit to the Quartet's formula, which calls on both sides to avoid further provocative actions, a clear reference to settlement construction."

"The Palestinians should avoid preconditions, embrace the Quartet proposal, and in doing so permit the start of constructive negotiations. They would demonstrate that they are serious about peace, and challenge the Israeli government to engage in good faith."