Recent events show us, however, that stability and peace on our continent are not permanent institutions. Quite the opposite. - Henri I, Grand Duke of Luxembourg

Faced with events of such magnitude [as the First World War], we share the same sense of helplessness, with the impression that things are imposed on us by fate or an external force. Yet it is Man who writes history.

This crisis is a challenge to our conscience. It puts our committment to a hard test.

This conflict has been going on for too long. It is essential that the parties start new direct negotiations and negotiate a sustainable peace, with the support of the Quartet. The path will be arduous, no doubt, but the objective is worth it, for the Israelis and the Palestinians and the entire region: an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.