Third, the United States will consult with the parties in the next two weeks on how to resume the peace negotiations leading to a permanent settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We appeal to the parties, who have demonstrated their sense of responsibility at this critical moment, to implement these decisions without delay. The two essential aims will be to end the violence and to restore at least a working measure of confidence. This will require openness and transparency on all sides in implementing the measures. Some of these measures are already being put in place.
Reports overnight suggest that the first signs of the easing of tension are appearing.
But fears of renewed violence persist, and developments over the next few days will be of crucial importance. The General Assembly of the United Nations has begun debating the crisis. On Saturday, Arab leaders will be meeting in Cairo for their first summit in four years. Their discussions will focus on the crisis and the ways in which a consensus approach can be developed. Later this month, the Israeli Parliament will resume and it too will be focussing its attention on the grave situation now facing the Israeli Government and people.