Brussels, 24/11/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Quartet's informal ministerial meeting on the Middle East (EU, USA and Russia) on Tuesday as a backdrop to the Charm el-Cheik conference on Iraq was useful according to the CFSP High Representative Javier Solana who represented the EU there. Solana's spokesperson Cristina Gallach said that the meeting had been particularly useful as a way to, "coordinate views, in this crucial time of transition…on the three key issues of Palestinian elections, financial support and security". Mr Solana mentioned the "strong, united support for holding presidential elections on 9 January next year" and its desire to redouble efforts to assist Palestinians "with practical steps to ensure success of these elections". The Quartet also wants to help the Palestinian Authority during this transition period and noted the good results achieved in financial reforms. The EU and its Quartet partners, would according to Mr Solana remain ready to support Palestinian efforts to re-establish law and order and combat terrorism. He underlined the importance of the Palestinian Authority pursuing broader reforms, particularly "in the field of security".