HC Deb 12 May 2004 vol 421 cc377-8W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Road Map for peace; and what role the Government is playing in the initiative. [171811]

Mr. Rammell

The Government are committed to progress towards peace in the Middle East based on the Quartet's roadmap. We are in close contact with both parties and Quartet members (UN, US, EU and Russia) about the political process. The 4 May Quartet statement sets out a balanced approach to encouraging progress. It closely reflects our views on priorities. Since its publication my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has met his Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian counterparts to discuss next steps.

At a practical level, we are working to help the Palestinian Authority to fulfil its roadmap obligations on security. Although results so far are encouraging, the lack of progress on Phase One of the roadmap, since its publication in April 2003, has been disappointing. Israel should implement a settlement freeze and remove the settlement outposts erected since March 2001. The Palestinian Authority should undertake sustained, targeted and effective operations against terrorists. Both parties and the international community must work to regain the momentum.

Claire Ward

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of(a) Israeli and (b) Palestinian people to promote a peaceful settlement; and if he will make a statement. [171885]

Mr. Rammell

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met both the Israeli Foreign Minister and the Palestinian Foreign Minister on 5 May 2004. The Government are committed to a Quartet roadmap-based peace process. As the Foreign Secretary told both Ministers, both sides need to put an end to violence and take the steps needed to rebuild basic levels of confidence and hope. We are pleased that the Quartet met on 4 May, and welcomed their statement setting out a balanced and constructive way forward. The Quartet reaffirmed the importance of the roadmap, and the need for both parties to meet their obligations under it.

Back to