§ Roger CasaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his European counterparts in preparation for the EU summit in Laeken with a view to strengthening the contribution of EU member states to international efforts to re-establish the middle east peace process. [22083]
§ Mr. BradshawMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has regular contact with his EU counterparts to discuss how the EU can help the parties establish a974W permanent ceasefire, implement the recommendations of the Mitchell report and resume political negotiations aimed at delivering security for Israel and allowing for the emergence of a Palestinian state.
He also met other EU Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs Council on 10 December. They agreed on the need for concerted international action. They reaffirmed their view that peace requires the recognition of Israel's irrevocable right to live in security and the emergence of a viable Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority must dismantle the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist networks and appeal in public for the end of the armed intifada. Israel must withdraw its forces, end the practice of extra-judicial killings, lift the closures and freeze all settlement activity. EU High Representative Javier Solana was mandated to go to the region and report back at Laeken.