(Communicated by the Foreign Minister's Bureau)
In response to the statement issued by the Middle East Quartet on Friday (2 February 2007), Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni issues the following statement:
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 - renunciation of violence and terrorism, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements, including the Roadmap - while at the same time strengthening and conducting a dialogue with the moderates in order to maintain a political horizon of peace and preserving security.
Taking a firm stand against the extremists while reinforcing the moderates are measures that complement one another and represent the correct course of action.