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Middle East Peace Process

Volume 492: debated on Tuesday 19 May 2009

12. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of discussions with his European counterparts on a united European approach to the Middle East peace process. (276077)

The EU has a hugely important role to play in achieving peace in the Middle East. When we last discussed this issue at the end of April, all 27 EU Foreign Ministers agreed that the EU approach to the Middle East Peace Process should be clear: support a two-state solution as the only viable outcome of a final settlement. Both the EU and the UK will pursue this goal vigorously in the coming months.

13. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent progress has been made in the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement. (276078)

We are encouraged by recent developments in the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP). The new Israeli Government has signalled a commitment to resume peace negotiations including a political track. The Palestinian Authority is also ready to enter peace negotiations with the new Israeli Government when the conditions are right. The Obama Administration has made a priority of the MEPP, appointing Senator Mitchell as a Special Envoy. The United Nations Security Council, chaired by Russia, discussed the MEPP on 11 May and issued a Presidential Statement.

The MEPP remains a priority for HM Government. We shall continue to support efforts towards a two-state solution. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary reiterated this during his intervention at the UN on 11 May.