§ 21. Sir David MadelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest developments in the middle east peace process. [25452]
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe welcome the recent announcement of an agreed framework for negotiations on security arrangements between Israel and Syria, and are urging both sides to press on. We also welcome Israel's suspension of the planned expropriation of land in east Jerusalem and the prospect of Israel and the Palestinians reaching agreement on elections and redeployment in the west bank by 1 July. We have pressed successfully for the EU to play the lead role in monitoring the Palestinian elections. Bilaterally and through the EU we are continuing to support the Palestinian Authority. We are giving $2 million bilaterally towards the EU's new package of support for Palestinian recurrent costs.
§ 34. Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent developments in the middle east. [25465]
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe welcome the recent announcement of an agreed framework for negotiations on security arrangements between Israel and Syria. We continue to urge all parties to the peace process to redouble their efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement.