Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5126th meeting, 16 Feb. 2005, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question"]

Welcomes the resumption of direct talks between the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of the Palestinian Authority; underlines the understandings reached by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, in particular that all Palestinians will stop all acts of violence against all Israelis everywhere and that Israel will cease all its military activities against all Palestinians everywhere; looks forward to further engagement by the 'Quartet' with the 2 parties to ensure continued progress in the peace process and the full implementation of the Road Map and relevant Security Council resolutions, towards the creation of an independent, viable, democratic and sovereign State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security.

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