What is g8 foreign ministers

Ministers are deeply convinced that there is nothing to lose from democracy as it lays the best path to peace, stability, prosperity and shared growth. Ministers commended the brave and determined actions of men and women throughout the region to make their voices heard and bring about change. This is a movement of truly historic magnitude which has the potential to transform the global political landscape.

This opportunity is here for all responsible governments to seize. G8 members are determined not to let it go by. In particular, should Egypt and Tunisia so wish, G8 countries are ready to assist them in the transition to democracy, including in the swift organisation and monitoring of transparent, democratic and fair electoral processes which will be needed in the interest of a smooth and peaceful transition to democracy and to assist them in addressing the region's economic and social challenges.

G8 countries will mobilise regional and international organisations to support urgent social, economic and fiscal measures to create employment, stabilise public finances and further open export markets. Ministers confirm the value of the ongoing G8-BMENA Partnership for Progress and a Common Future, and reiterate their commitment to the G8-BMENA process as a mechanism for consultation and cooperation between governments, civil society organisations, and business to support political, economic and social reforms that respond to the aspirations of the region's citizens.

Ministers recalled their constant commitment to the unity, sovereignty and independence of Lebanon. The STL must continue its work without impediment and with the cooperation of the Lebanese Government. They encouraged additional voluntary contributions for its funding. Ministers expressed serious concern at the ongoing suppression of democratic progress in Iran, in particular the detention of Iranian opposition leaders Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi and their wives, and the suppression of peaceful protests.

Ministers called on the Iranian authorities to release both leaders and all those arrested for seeking to make their voices heard. Ministers are convinced that events in the region offer the opportunity for a new quality of partnership.

The G8 is uniquely suited to addressing both political and economic issues. Our Group also calls on other nations to join us in offering concrete measures of support for peaceful change, shared growth and increased prosperity for all. With a view to mutually-beneficial and harmonious co-development, G8 countries will work, individually and jointly in relevant forums, for the swift resumption of trade, and human and economic exchanges with the region.

Ministers welcomed in this regard the efforts already undertaken by the European Union within the framework of its Neighbourhood Policy and the Union for the Mediterranean as well as the offer to support international efforts in a coordinating role. Ministers decided to increase their dialogue with civil societies throughout the region, with a view to fostering the further emergence of free media, the empowerment of non-governmental organisations, and the development of vocational training and socially responsible businesses.

Ministers expressed their readiness to consider short-term measures to alleviate the adverse economic effects of current developments, in Egypt and Tunisia, including through short-term budgetary assistance based on established needs as well as further support regarding food and other basic staples relief in coordination with relevant organisations.

They will further explore the issue with the international institutions and the regional development banks. Ministers are convinced that the current historic developments in the region make resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through negotiations and the further integration of Israel in its regional environment even more important. Ministers expressed serious concern about the current stalemate in the Middle East Peace Process. In line with previous Quartet statements, they remain committed to the conclusion of a negotiated framework agreement on all final status issues by September They also share the hope expressed by President Obama that we can have an agreement that will lead to a new member of the United Nations - an independent, sovereign State of Palestine living in peace with Israel.

There is no viable alternative to the two-state solution. Ministers considered that a long-term solution to this conflict can only be achieved through negotiations. They urged both parties to return to substantive direct talks.

Ministers commended the work of the Palestinian Authority in developing the capacity to run a democratic and peaceful state, founded on the rule of law and living in peace and security with Israel. They stressed the need to continue to support these state-building efforts, both politically and financially. They welcomed the organisation by France of a second donors' conference this June in Paris. Ministers called on parties to refrain from unilateral actions and to create an atmosphere conducive to peace.

Ministers strongly reaffirm that unilateral actions by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations and will not be recognised by the international community.

Ministers called for an end to rocket fire from Gaza and stressed the need for calm and security for both peoples. Settlement activities in territory occupied in constitute a major obstacle to peace and must stop. Foreign Ministers stressed that peace in the Middle East should be comprehensive and reiterated the importance of negotiations on the Israeli-Syria and Israeli-Lebanon tracks.

They remain committed to holding a conference in on a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, as endorsed by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, with a view to creating a peaceful environment in the region.

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Thank you for your feedback. The Ministers call on the Syrian Government and all parties to comply fully with all aspects of the six-point plan. The Ministers stressed that a long-term solution to this conflict can be achieved only through direct negotiations, on the basis of the September 23, statement of the Middle East Quartet. Ministers called on parties to refrain from unilateral actions and to create an atmosphere conducive to peace.

They strongly reaffirm that unilateral actions by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations. The Ministers call on the parties to continue dialogue and implement measures that build trust and improve the climate for negotiations. The Ministers also acknowledged the positive steps taken over the past year by the Palestinian Authority to prepare its institutions for statehood.

The Ministers affirm their commitment to support Iraq in strengthening its democratic processes, developing its economy, and building mutually beneficial diplomatic, economic, and security ties throughout the region. They agreed that the political process in Iraq should move forward through political dialogue and real power-sharing, within the framework of the Constitution.

The G8 will seek out opportunities to broaden the scope of their engagement with Iraq across all sectors — diplomatic, security, trade, education, culture, law enforcement, environment, and energy cooperation — and encourage engagement from other nations and international organizations, particularly with regard to reintegrating Iraq into the region and wider international community.

In this regard, the Ministers congratulate Iraq for successfully hosting the Arab League Summit at the end of March In that context, the Ministers urge Iran to fulfill its undertaking to grant access to Parchin. In light of the human rights situation in Iran, the Ministers called on the Government of Iran to fully observe universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms and to abide by its international obligations regarding human rights.

They deplored interference with media, arbitrary detentions and arrests, and called on the Iranian authorities to lift restrictions on freedom of movement and communication of Iranian opposition leaders that are contrary to international human rights obligations.

The Ministers condemned the targeting of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives protected under international law, all acts of and support for terrorism, and the assassination of Iranian scientists. The Ministers share the strong view that such a launch would be a serious violation of UN Security Council Resolutions , , and