§ Baroness Williams of Crosbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to the Government of Israel about the wall now being built in the West Bank inside the 1967 Armistice line; and what status they expect the wall to be accorded in the road map for peace. [HL1780]
§ The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe British Government have raised with the Government of Israel our concerns about the "security fence". The seizure of Palestinian land, the isolation of Palestinian villages and the creation of a further physical obstacle to the two-state solution are unacceptable. While we fully understand Israel's need to take steps, within the law, to protect itself from terrorist attack, lasting security can be achieved only through a negotiated peace.
A final settlement must provide for a viable Palestinian state to exist alongside Israel, both within secure and recognised borders. We look forward to 'the Quartet publishing its roadmap, which will set out a phased progamme leading to a final settlement within three years, soon. It is important that, in implementing the roadmap, all parties refrain from actions which obstruct the search for peace.