TBD
Ban 'encouraged' by start of direct peace talks between Israelis, Palestinians
The Middle East talks must address all real and core issues for lasting peace in the Middle East, according to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Ban Ki-moon in Liechtenstein
The Secretary-General spoke in Liechtenstein ahead of the talks in Washington, D.C., between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas which started on Thursday.
The Secretary-General says he is encouraged by the direct talks between the two leaders and is ready and committed to facilitate progress of these peace talks.
"I am going to convene the Quartet Principals Meeting in the later part of September on the margins of the General Assembly, and also will invite the League of Arab States representatives together with members of the Quartet. This is just one part of our continuing efforts to work together with the other members of the Quartet as well as Arab partners."
The Middle East Quartet is made up of the United Nations, the United States, the European Union and Russia.
Dianne Penn, United Nations Radio.
(duration: 1'07")
