Peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians have been given renewed support from the Quartet of Middle East peace negotiators. With key figures such as Condoleezza Rice unlikely to be part of the continuing process as she is leaving office, there is little expectation of a deal this year.

But the UN Secretary General says both sides are determined to remain on track. “The Palestinian and Israeli representatives have reaffirmed their committment, as stated in the Annapolis joint understanding, to vigourous, ongoing and continuous negotiations,” said Ban Ki-moon.

Sentiments shared by the outgoing US Secretary of State. “We have an international strategy now to finally establish the two State solution which President Bush set as a goal several years ago. So, I believe the Annapolis process is now the international community’s answer,” added Condeleezza Rice.

The talks, launched nearly year ago by US President George Bush at a conference in Annapolis, Maryland, have been hobbled from the start by violence and bitter disputes over Jewish settlement building and the future of Jerusalem.

Copyright © 2012 euronews