Peacemaking between Israel and the Palestinians will be a primary focus for German Chancellor Angela Merkel while Germany holds the European Union presidency. Merkel prepared for her tour of the Middle East by meeting with Jordan‘s King Abdallah II in Berlin. Referring to this past summer’s war in Lebanon, Merkel warned that "time is running out," and reiterated her support for the efforts of the so-called "Quartet" – comprised of the U.S., E.U., United Nations and Russia – in brokering peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The Quartet will meet in New York on Friday in a session said to be aimed at reinvigorating its efforts. Merkel and Abdallah endorsed the government of Fuad Siniora in Lebanon and promised to "do everything to ensure [its] success."