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