HC Deb 24 April 2002 vol 384 cc294-5W
Mr. Battle

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial meeting in Valencia on 22 and 23 April. [52881]

Peter Hain

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership process in Valencia. The meeting took place against a backdrop of high tension in the region. In these circumstances the presence of representatives of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and most neighbouring states was in itself a significant achievement. Ministers discussed the middle east peace process, noting their deep concern at the current situation, the serious threat it posed to regional security and the risk of a grave humanitarian crisis. My right hon. Friend held bilateral discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Israel and Egypt and with Nabil Sha'ath of the Palestinian Authority.

The conference adopted, by consensus, an action plan including a number of initiatives to give renewed impetus to the Euro-Med process. The Government particularly welcome the action plan to promote an effective dialogue on culture and civilisation.

My right hon. Friend and I took the opportunity of the Valencia Ministerial to have bilateral meetings. My right hon. Friend discussed the situation in the Great Lakes region with his French and Belgian counterparts. I discussed the state of play in the Cyprus negotiations with Foreign Minister Cassoulides.

We also had bilateral meetings with our Spanish counterparts in which we took forward our discussions on Gibraltar. I also discussed Gibraltar with my Spanish counterpart in Madrid on 18 April.

Our objectives remain to preserve Gibraltar's way of life, establish greater self-government, deliver lasting practical benefits and a stronger economy, and secure a lasting agreement on sovereignty so that Gibraltarians can enjoy security for their way of life. Negotiations continue. Our aim remains, if possible, to reach agreement by the summer.