Middle East (Hansard, 12 May 2003)

§ Mr. Streeter
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to encourage religious leaders from all sides in the Middle East to work towards a peace settlement in Israel and Palestine. [110996]

Mr. Mike OBrien
In January 2002 the Alexandria process brought senior Muslim, Jewish and Christian religious leaders together to work for peace in the Middle East. The Alexandria Declaration pledges religious leaders to work together to promote a peaceful settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and continuing inter-faith dialogue. We recognise the important role religious leaders can play in promoting peace in the Middle East, and we have provided administrative, financial and moral support for this process, with which we remain involved.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the UK has made to Israel to stop further settlement in East Jerusalem. [111323]

Mr. Mike OBrien
Our Ambassador in Tel Aviv raised the issue of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, and in particular that at Ras al-Amoud, with the Israeli Interior Minister, Avraham Poraz, on 1 April. Ministers and officials regularly make representations to Israel about illegal settlements throughout the Occupied Territories.
A freeze on all settlement building is required under Phase One of the Quarter roadmap. The Government have made it clear that this is essential to the continuing viability of the two-state solution.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions took place among the drafters of the roadmap for peace in the Middle East concerning Israel and the Palestinian Authoritys compliance with international law. [111325]

Mr. Mike OBrien
The UK does not have details of the private discussions between Quartet members during the drafting of the roadmap.
The roadmap is a description of a political process. Its content does not affect Israels obligations to comply with international law or the commitments given by the Palestinian Authority to do so. The Government are concerned that both Israel and the Palestinian Authority should act in accordance with international law, including the 4^th Geneva Convention.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli government concerning the wall surrounding the West Bank; and what response he has received. [111326]

Mr. Mike OBrien
Our Embassy in Tel Aviv has raised with the Government of Israel our concerns about the location and likely impact of the security fence. We deplore the seizure of Palestinian land, the isolation of Palestinian villages, and the creation of a further physical obstacle to the two-State solution.
The Israeli Government argues that the construction of the wall is a necessary security measure. We fully understand Israels security concerns and the need to 84W take steps, within the law, to protect itself from terrorist attacks. But lasting peace can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement and not unilateral actions.