Mideast mediators will meet Monday, July 11 to try to spur a resumption of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations as the Palestinians prepare to seek recognition as an independent state, diplomats and a U.N. official said July 1.

The meeting of the so-called Quartet — the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia — will take place in Washington, a U.N. diplomat and U.N. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

September looms large in the quest for Mideast peace because Israel and the Palestinians have agreed on President Barack Obama’s target of September 2011 for a peace agreement, a date endorsed by the E.U. and much of the world.

U.N. diplomats said they hope the upcoming meeting will not be canceled. — jta