UN looks to broader consensus on Middle East

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has met Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, at the end of his Middle East tour. At a joint press conference in Jerusalem, they welcomed the idea of broader international meetings.

The meetings would include current members of the Middle East Quartet ­- the UN, United States, the European Union and Russia – plus Israel, Palestine and moderate Arab leaders.

The U.S. has downplayed the idea saying it's just one of many possibilities to be considered, stressing no decisions have been made so far. Nevertheless Mr Olmert said that he “would not hesitate to participate” in such a meeting.