§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are working with the support of the major religious leaders towards a ceasefire by all parties in Israel and in the Palestinian Authority covering Christmas and the New Year and, if possible, a longer period. [HL844]
§ Baroness AmosWe have consistently called on all parties to do all they can to end the violence. We support the efforts of the quartet to adopt a roadmap to a permanent solution which includes a cessation of violence, among other steps. Peace can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement, not through force.
We are supporting a number of initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire, including follow-up to the 10WA Alexandria Declaration of 21 January 2002, in which religious leaders committed themselves to work together for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they support the creation of an inter-religious council for Jerusalem and the holy sites. [HL845]
§ Baroness AmosThe creation of an inter-religious council for Jerusalem and the holy sites has been mooted as one option, among several, for the resolution of sovereignty issues relating to the city. It is for the parties themselves to settle these issues, as part of final status negotiations. Her Majesty's Government attach great importance to ensuring access to Jerusalem and freedom of worship there for those of all faiths. Any solution on Jerusalem should ensure freedom of worship.