G-8 Rome Foreign Ministers Statement On Middle East

Rome -- In the light of the alarming developments in the Middle East, we reaffirm that the Mitchell Report in its entirety is the only way forward to break the deadlock, to stop the escalation and to resume a political process.

The cooling off period must begin as soon as possible. This means:

• all extremism and terrorism must be opposed; they cannot be allowed to dictate the security environment;
• all the commitments given to securing a cessation of violence must be scrupulously observed;
• each party must refrain from provocation and incitement;
• no action should be taken by either party which undermines the other.

We believe that in these circumstances third-party monitoring accepted by both parties would serve their interests in implementing the Mitchell Report.