The Middle East diplomatic Quartet voiced hope on Sunday that direct international assistance to the Palestinian government would be resumed next year.

During a meeting at the UN Headquarters, the principals of the diplomatic grouping, which comprises the United Nations, the European Union, Russia and the United States, were briefed by their newly appointed representative, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on the latest developments in the troubled region.

A statement issued after the meeting said the Quartet agreed that Blair should work closely with the Palestinian Authority government in developing a multi-year agenda for institutional and economic development, and looked forward to strong technical and financial support from the international community in support of these efforts.

"In that context, the Quartet called upon all countries that are able to contribute to urgently provide financial support to the Palestinian Authority," it said.

"The Quartet endorsed an extension of the Temporary International Mechanism until December 31, 2007, and expressed its hope that during this period a mechanism would be established to facilitate the transition to direct international assistance to this Palestinian Authority government," it added.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2007)