The Quartet issued a statement following its talks in Berlin Wednesday night reiterating the need for the Palestinian Authority to accepts its three principles, but also adding that there was a discussion about "possible further steps by the international community in the context of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East." In recent weeks there has been talk of the need for steps other than the road map to try and move the diplomatic process forward. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted in the Russian press as saying there was a need for Israeli and Palestinians to continue direct contacts that deal with a political horizon. The Quartet is made up of the US, EU, UN and Russia.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday pledged to continue holding talks with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, despite the inconclusive trilateral talks on Monday and the fact that the Mecca understandings between Fatah and Hamas did not accept the Quartet's benchmarks.