To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her assessment is of the recent US proposals for the middle east peace process which have been presented to the government of Israel and the Palestinian leadership; and what the role of the Government is in the next stage of the process. (137103)

The US presented Israel and the Palestinians with a set of proposals according to which Israel would improve freedom of movement for Palestinians within and between the west bank and Gaza and the Palestinians would act to prevent attacks by militants against Israel. The proposal has so far been welcomed by Palestinian President Abbas and Palestine Liberation Organisation Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat, but dismissed by the National Unity government. The Israeli government is considering the proposal.

It is essential that progress is made on movement and access in, and between, the west bank and Gaza and security sector transformation to ensure a viable future Palestinian state. This requires the active engagement of both parties. In the meantime, we will continue to call upon both parties to implement their commitments under the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access and support US Security Coordinator General Dayton's plans on security sector transformation.