§ 19. Ms Christine RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role the Government are playing in securing peace in the middle east. [69595]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienHer Majesty's Government remains closely engaged in efforts to end the violence and resume a political process leading to a final settlement. We are supervising the detention of six Palestinian detainees in Jericho, and stand ready to assist with Palestinian reform in whatever way we can. I discussed the issue with Palestinian and Israeli leaders when I visited the region between 1 and 3 July.
§ 25. Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the present situation in the middle east peace process. [69601]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Government are committed to a negotiated and comprehensive settlement between Israel and her Arab neighbours along the lines set out in the declaration made by European leaders at Seville on 21 June. We welcome the Statement of the Quartet (US, EU, UN and Russia), which reaffirmed the goal of a final Israeli-Palestinian settlement within three years. It stated880W that progress in the political, security, economic, humanitarian, and institution-building fields must proceed together. All parties have a role to play. The Palestinians must conduct security, political and economic reform, with an action plan agreed by the Quartet leading to a Palestinian state committed to combating terror. Israel must take immediate and concrete steps to support the emergence of a viable Palestinian state, including easing restrictions, releasing tax revenues, and freezing settlement activity consistent with the Mitchell Committee's recommendations. The UK will continue to offer political and practical assistance wherever possible.
§ 28. Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he is undertaking with Arab Governments to secure their help in the middle east peace process. [69606]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe welcomed the Arab peace initiative, adopted by Arab states in Beirut on 28 March. We welcome the role played by key Arab states in supporting the Quartet's Action Plan for Reform of the Palestinian Authority and Resumption of a Political Process. We regularly discuss the way forward with Arab leaders. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister recently met President Mubarak, King Abdullah, Prime Minister Hariri and Foreign Minister Maher. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is also in frequent contact with Arab leaders. We met Palestinian Minister for Planning and International Cooperation, Nabil Sha'ath, on 25 June. I met President Arafat and other Palestinian leaders when I visited the Palestinian Authority between 2 and 3 July.
§ 35. Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role the Government are playing in securing peace in the middle east. [69613]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienHer Majesty's Government remain closely engaged in efforts to end the violence and resume a political process leading to a final settlement. We are supervising the detention of six Palestinian detainees in Jericho, and stand ready to assist with Palestinian reform in whatever way we can. I discussed the issue with Palestinian and Israeli leaders when I visited the region between 1 and 3 July.