Xinhua - English

JERUSALEM, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said on Sunday that the statement issued by the Middle East Quartet is a reconfirmation of the previous principles.

"The statement issued by the Middle East Quartet is a reconfirmation of the principles embodied in the unequivocal requirements demanded from the extremists and terror organizations," Livni said in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry.

It welcomed Quartet unswerving stand against the extremists, saying that taking a firm stand against the extremists while reinforcing the moderates are measures that complement one another and represent the correct course of action.

The Quartet, grouping the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia, held a foreign ministerial meeting in Washington on Friday.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the Quartet reaffirmed its support for the Middle East peace process and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The statement also renewed support for international sanctions against the Hamas-led government, which were imposed after Hamas took office last March since the Islamic group rejected to recognize Israel, renounce violence and honor signed peace deals.

CAIRO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Saturday expressed its welcome to the outcome of the Quartet's Friday meeting which reiterated its support for the Middle East peace process and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The Quartet, grouping the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia, held a foreign ministerial meeting in Washington on Friday, calling for an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state while renewing support for international sanctions against the Hamas-led Palestinian government.

Quartet meeting reaffirms support for Middle East peace process

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Quartet meeting, involving the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia, reaffirmed on Friday its support for the Middle East peace process and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

"The quartet welcomes the upcoming meeting between (Israeli) Prime Minister (Ehud) Olmert, (Palestinian) President (Mahmoud) Abbas and (U.S.) Secretary of State (Condoleezza) Rice," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said in a statement after the meeting held here.

Quartet to meet in early February over Mideast

BERLIN, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday that the Mideast "quartet" of the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States was likely to meet early next month in a move to revive the Middle East peace talks.

Speaking after meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin, Rice said she looks forward to the meeting, which could be held in Washington, to "re-energize the quartet."