§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his latest assessment of progress in the middle east peace process. [36897]
§ Mr. HanleyThe interim agreement between Israel and the Palestinians was signed in Washington on 28 September. This represents a major achievement in the peace process, which we warmly welcome. The interim agreement paves the way for Palestinian elections in the west bank and Gaza. We will be making a substantial contribution to the EU-organised observation of the elections. Negotiations between Israel and Syria remain suspended for the time being. We hope that they will resume soon.