13/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - Quartet appeals for calm. The Quartet appealed for calm on Monday 12 March, given the grave situation prevailing in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel, and expressed serious concern about the recent escalation of violence, which has left several Palestinians dead and wounded several Israelis. The Quartet reiterated its call to the parties involved to abstain from all provocation and to remain committed to taking the peace process forward. It also welcomed the major effort furnished by Jordan, as part of the shared commitment to reach a negotiated agreement by the end of the year. The Quartet and its representative, Tony Blair, held informal consultations on Monday 12 March in order to assess how the situation in the Middle East has been developing since its statement on 23 September 2011. A further meeting is planned in April, in Washington. (CG/transl.jl)