§ 22. Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Middle East peace process. [129563]
§ 30. Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in the Middle East peace process. [129571]
§ Mr. HainThe Middle East could soon see further steps towards lasting peace. The summit between the Israelis and Palestinians called by President Clinton at Camp David is a crucial event in the search for Permanent Status Agreement. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister saw Ehud Barak on 3 July and sent a message to President Arafat on the eve of the summit. We wish both parties and President Clinton every success in making progress in the talks.
On the Syrian track, we welcome statements by the new Syrian Government that they are keen to restart negotiations with Israel. We hope that this can happen as soon as possible.
We welcome UN confirmation of Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. This too is an important step towards a comprehensive peace in the region.