HL Deb 10 May 2004 vol 661 cc12-3WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they are taking to ensure that unauthorised settlement outposts in the Occupied West Bank are removed in accordance with international law. [HL2541]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

This can best be achieved through implementation of the road map, phase one of which obliges Israel to remove these outposts. We continue to do all we can, in our contacts with the parties and others, to secure a return to the road map. The Quartet Principals' meeting and statement of 4 May were useful steps in this direction. A copy of the statement has been placed in the Library of the House.

The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What detailed assessment they have made of Prime Minister Sharon's proposal to withdraw settlements from the Gaza Strip, including plans to retain border controls and military installations; what benefits there will be for Palestinians in Gaza; and how the proposal will fit into the road map. [HL2640]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We welcomed Prime Minister Sharon's announcement that he intends to withdraw all settlements from Gaza and a number from the West Bank, and to order a significant military redeployment, as a significant step consistent with the road map route to the two-state solution. The dismantling of settlements would be a real step forward, in line with phase I of the road map, which calls for settlements to be frozen and outposts dismantled.

Withdrawal of settlements and the Israeli Defence Force from Gaza would be beneficial to the Palestinians in practical terms, improving freedom of movement and releasing agricultural land. We have urged the Israelis to withdraw fully. If they do, it would also stimulate renewed international support to enable the Palestinian Authority to built its capacity to deliver services. We are working with the Palestinians to ensure that they can make the best use of Israeli withdrawal to improve the daily lives of the Palestinian population.

As the Quartet indicated in its statement of 4 May, we support these proposals on the basis that they do not prejudice negotiations on the final status issues between the parties, as laid down in the road map, and as a route to the goal of a two-state solution with Israel secure within its borders and living at peace with its neighbours, and Palestine established as a viable, contiguous state.