GUIDANCE: RUSSIAN DRAFT PRST ON THE MIDDLE EAST

UNCLAS STATE 041838 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC PREL IS RS KWBG KPAL SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: RUSSIAN DRAFT PRST ON THE MIDDLE EAST REF: USUN NEW YORK 0421 ¶1. (SBU) This is an action message. USUN is authorized to recommend changes to the Russian draft PRST provided reftel, so that the text matches that provided at para 2 below (note: a copy of this text showing tracked changes will be provided via e-mail). Mission should ensure that Russian counterparts understand these suggestions for the Russian PRST text do not constitute an offer to present this as a joint Russian-U.S. text. If asked about U.S. participation at the proposed May 11 UNSC ministerial session or the possibility of holding a Quartet meeting around the same time, Mission should indicate that these questions are still under review. ¶2. (U) PRST Draft Text: Statement By The President Of The United Nations Security Council On The Situation In The Middle East: The Security Council stressed the urgency of reaching comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Vigorous diplomatic action is needed to attain the goal set by the international community -) lasting peace in the region, based on an enduring commitment to mutual recognition, freedom from violence, incitement and terror, and the two-state solution, building upon previous agreements and obligations. In this context the Security Council recalls all its previous resolutions on the Middle East, in particular resolutions 242 (1967),338 (1973),1397 (2002),1515 (2003),1850 (2008), and the Madrid principles. The Security Council also noted the importance of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. The Security Council encourages the Quartet,s ongoing work to support the parties in their efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The Security Council reiterates its commitment to the irreversibility of the bilateral negotiations built upon previous agreements and obligations, and calls once again on the parties to resume negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues, including all core issues, without exception. The Security Council further calls upon the parties to fulfill their obligations under the Performance-Based Roadmap, refraining from any steps that could undermine confidence or prejudice the outcome of negotiations. The Security Council calls on all State and international organizations to support the Palestinian government that is committed to the Quartet principles. It calls for assistance to help develop the Palestinian economy and build Palestinian institutions in preparation for statehood. The Security Council encourages tangible steps towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation, including in support of Egypt,s efforts, on the basis of the Quartet principles and as expressed in the 26 November 2008 Arab League resolution, and consistent with Security Council resolution 1850 (2008) and other relevant resolutions. The Security Council welcomes the Quartet,s consideration, in consultation with the parties, of an international meeting on Middle East peace in Moscow in 2009. End draft text. CLINTON