Straw welcomes progress for Middle East roadmap

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has welcomed the Israeli government's decision to accept the US-backed roadmap for peace by a majority vote.

The Foreign Secretary said that the roadmap offered the "best basis for progress" towards peace in the Middle East.

"The announcement is an important step forward towards that goal. We now look to all parties to move ahead with the implementation of the Roadmap and stand ready to offer any assistance we can," he said.

Following the decision, the Israeli government released a statement saying: "The Government of Israel today accepted the steps set out in the Roadmap. The Government of Israel expresses its hope that the political process that will commence, in accordance with the 24 June 2002 speech of President Bush, will bring security, peace and reconciliation between Israel and the Palestinians."

However, the Israelis issued its concerns on the issues of refugees.

"The Government of Israel further clarifies that, both during and subsequent to the political process, the resolution of the issue of the refugees will not include their entry into or settlement within the State of Israel", the statement read.

(GMcG)