G8 STATEMENT ON THE MIDDLE EAST

Genoa, July 21 2001

The situation in the Middle East presents a grave danger. Too many lives have already been lost. We can not stand by while the situation deteriorates. There is a need for immediate action.

The urgent implementation of the Mitchell Report is the only way forward. The cooling-off period must begin as soon as possible. Violence and terrorism must stop. Third-party monitoring, accepted by both Parties, would serve their interests in implementing the Mitchell Report.

We endorse fully the G8 position enunciated by our Foreign Ministers on July 19^th.