§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [145421]
§ Mr. HainI welcome the involvement of both sides in discussions on the basis of the proposals put forward by President Clinton. I hope that the parties will seize the opportunity to bridge the gaps on his proposals. We continue to appeal to both sides to take further steps to halt the violence, action which is essential to build confidence and lay the foundations for further progress in the negotiations. Britain remains closely engaged. At the Prime Minister's request and with the Foreign Secretary's support, Lord Levy visited Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan between 5–9 January, as the Prime Minister's personal envoy. He urged the Israelis and Palestinians to take urgent steps to build confidence and to re-engage in negotiations.