Middle East (Hansard, 6 May 2003)

§ 15. Mr. Bailey
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's attempts to secure a middle east peace settlement. [111608]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
We continue to support Quartet efforts to bring about the resumption of a meaningful peace process. The Quartet road map represents the best chance for peace in Israel and Palestine, and we expect all parties to respond positively and start implementing it without delay. The UK will continue to do all it can to help.

§ 16. Helen Jackson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the role of the UN in building international recognition for political developments in the middle east. [111609]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
As a member of the Quartet, the UN has a central role in encouraging and supporting developments in the Middle East Peace Process. On 30 April, the Quartet presented to Prime Ministers Sharon and Abbas its road map to a two-state solution. The UN, along with other Quartet members, will verify the parties' implementation of the roadmap. United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242,338 and 1397 remain the internationally agreed basis for a settlement.

§ 19. Huw Irranca-Davies
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the US Administration on progress towards a two state solution for the Israeli and Palestinian people. [111612]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, FCO officials and I are in constant touch with US colleagues on Israel/560W Palestine. The UK Government believe that a secure and stable two-state solution, as called for in President Bush's speech of 24 June 2002 and reached through early implementation of the Quartet road map, is the only credible way to deliver to both Israelis and Palestinians the peaceful future they both need.

§ Mr. Blunt
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 14 April 2003,Official Report, column 529W, on the Middle East, whether the Government regard the B'Tselem list as authoritative. [110410]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
No such list can be completely authoritative. It is difficult to get accurate details of an incident, and the Israeli Government does not always confirm its involvement in targeted killings. However, B'Tselem is a reputable human rights organisation and we believe the list under question is useful if only as a guide.