'The bedrock of our approach would be to support first, a two-state solution; secondly, all those committed to peaceful negotiation in search of a solution; and, thirdly, the economic, social and humanitarian work that is essential.'
David Miliband, Foreign Secretary, House of Commons, 3 July 2007.
The UK's role in the Middle East Peace Process
The UK wants a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary are convinced that a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an important precondition for long-term peace in the region.
There is now a clear international consensus on what a negotiated settlement might look like. The key elements will include an end to occupation, the exchange of 'land for peace' leading to a viable state of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, both secure and respected within recognised borders.
The Quartet
The Quartet (the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia) has been working to assist the parties in working towards and implementing an agreement.
The Quartet’s ‘Roadmap’, setting out the steps required to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine, was presented to, and agreed by, both sides in April 2003.
We see the Roadmap as the best hope of achieving a final and comprehensive settlement of the Middle East conflict.
The Roadmap sets out clear phases, timelines, target dates, and benchmarks aiming at progress through reciprocal steps by the two parties in the political, security, economic, humanitarian, and institution-building fields.
More info on the Roadmap is available on the UN website.
The Annapolis Conference
At the Annapolis Conference on 22 November 2007, Prime Minister Olmert renewed his commitment to Israel’s Roadmap obligations.
Among others these obligations require that the Government of Israel freeze all settlement building, dismantle all settlement outposts and take measures to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians.
On the Palestinian side, obligations include the need to undertake visible efforts to disrupt plans for violent attacks on Israelis, and undertake comprehensive political reform.
The Quartet and UK are working to help both sides reach agreement and firmly believe that the Roadmap is the best route to peace in the Middle East.
We welcome the outcome of the Annapolis conference, which has put the Israelis and Palestinians on a path to real negotiations in 2008, leading to a final settlement of two states living side by side in peace and security.
Israeli security is absolutely fundamental to a just solution; and Palestinian hardship can only be tackled through a political process that creates an economically and socially viable Palestinian state at peace with Israel.
Further information on the Annapolis Conference can be found on the US Department of State website.
