Alistair Burt calls for progress on two state solution
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt has met Palestinian Chief Negotiator Dr Saeb Erekat to discuss the Middle East Peace Process.
Speaking after the meeting, Alistair Burt said:
“Dr Erekat and I discussed the current state of the Middle East Peace Process, the urgent need to make progress towards a two state solution and the opportunities to take real steps towards peace in the coming months. I expressed the UK’s deep concern about developments that threaten our shared goal, in particular continued settlement building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
“I stressed that the international community has an important role to play on the peace process, but bold and courageous leadership is also required from both sides. I made clear the British view that we see negotiations towards a two state solution as the best way to meet the national aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. Along with EU and international partners, we are urging both sides to focus on dialogue, avoid steps that could undermine the prospects for peace and to work towards the resumption of direct negotiations without preconditions.
“The UK remains committed to helping Palestinian state building efforts and will be providing up to £122 million in support over the period 2011 to 2015 to assist them in creating a sovereign and prosperous Palestinian state living in peace alongside a safe and secure Israel.”