G8 Fails to Mention 'Occupation' Or 'Settlements'
The G8's 110 words on the Middle East peace process are dissected.
“We agreed that all relevant parties must work urgently for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. We support a two-state solution with an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbors. We call for the necessary steps to build trust and urge the parties to work toward the resumption of direct negotiations without preconditions, taking note of the Sept. 23, 2011, statement of the Middle East Quartet. We affirm our support for the Palestinian Authority and its state-building efforts and encourage the international community to extend the fullest assistance possible to revitalizing the Palestinian economy.“
The above statement is part of the final communiqué of the leaders of the Group of Eight countries that met Tuesday in Northern Ireland.
