Press release

Foreign Secretary speaks to new Palestinian Prime Minister

Foreign Secretary William Hague today spoke to Professor Rami Hamdallah who has been appointed Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Foreign Secretary William Hague

Speaking after the call, the Foreign Secretary said:

“I spoke to Professor Rami Hamdallah today to congratulate him on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority. His appointment comes at a crucial time in the search for Middle East peace. There is an urgent need to return to negotiations for a two-state solution. The UK wants to see a viable, independent Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, living in peace and security with Israel – with Jerusalem as a shared capital of both states and a just, fair and agreed settlement for refugees.

“I assured Prime Minister Hamdallah of the UK’s strong support for efforts to restart the peace process and our commitment to a two state solution. I welcomed his determination to build and maintain the institutions and economic underpinnings of the future Palestinian state, under the leadership of President Abbas.

“I pay tribute to the outstanding contribution to Palestinian state-building of outgoing Prime Minister Dr Salam Fayyad, and I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Hamdallah as he continues these efforts.”

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Published 3 June 2013