§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the international community will ensure that the future Palestinian Government installs democratic institutions as part of the Middle East Peace Plan. [173243]
§ Mr. RammellThe UK has long supported the development of more effective and accountable Palestinian institutions in preparation for Palestinian statehood. The Palestinian Authority has made progress on developing better accountability and a transparent legal environment. The international community is supporting the Palestinian Authority in their efforts. Encouraging free and fair elections, at all levels, is one part of the process. We hope that the Palestinian Authority will hold elections as soon as possible as called for in the roadmap.
As a priority, the Palestinians need to take the necessary steps to finalise their election laws, and to complete the work, funded by the EU, on voter registration. We also recognise that free and fair elections cannot take place while Israeli restrictions on the freedom of movement remain in place.