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15/04/2004
Blair welcomes 'comprehensive' Israeli strategy
Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Sharon's announcement of a unilateral 'disengagement' plan.
Mr Blair said that the international community should now work together to "seize this opportunity to inject new life into the peace process".
He added: "We all want to see a comprehensive peace agreed by the two sides leading to two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Israeli withdrawal should be an important step toward that objective.
"Israel should now coordinate with the Palestinians on the detailed arrangements. The Palestinian Authority must show the political will to make the withdrawal from Gaza a success and to deliver on their Roadmap responsibilities, especially regarding security."
Mr Blair vowed that the UK would play a "full part" in the international effort, and said that he would discussing the issue further with the UN Secretary-General during today's meeting in New York.
According to the plan, Israel will relocate military installations and all Israeli villages and towns in the Gaza Strip – as well as other military installations and a small number of villages in Samaria.
Balancing the perceived climbdown over the removal of disputed settlers outposts in Palestinian-controlled Gaza – settlements for which Mr Sharon was himself an enthusiastic advocate – the Israeli Prime Minister has called for similar settlements on the West Bank to remain.
The construction of the Security Fence will also be accelerated in order to "ensure the security of the citizens of Israel".
However, Mr Sharon has declared the fence a temporary measure, not a "political barrier" and said that it would not therefore "prejudice any final status issues including final borders".
(GMcG/SP)
Mr Blair said that the international community should now work together to "seize this opportunity to inject new life into the peace process".
He added: "We all want to see a comprehensive peace agreed by the two sides leading to two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Israeli withdrawal should be an important step toward that objective.
"Israel should now coordinate with the Palestinians on the detailed arrangements. The Palestinian Authority must show the political will to make the withdrawal from Gaza a success and to deliver on their Roadmap responsibilities, especially regarding security."
Mr Blair vowed that the UK would play a "full part" in the international effort, and said that he would discussing the issue further with the UN Secretary-General during today's meeting in New York.
According to the plan, Israel will relocate military installations and all Israeli villages and towns in the Gaza Strip – as well as other military installations and a small number of villages in Samaria.
Balancing the perceived climbdown over the removal of disputed settlers outposts in Palestinian-controlled Gaza – settlements for which Mr Sharon was himself an enthusiastic advocate – the Israeli Prime Minister has called for similar settlements on the West Bank to remain.
The construction of the Security Fence will also be accelerated in order to "ensure the security of the citizens of Israel".
However, Mr Sharon has declared the fence a temporary measure, not a "political barrier" and said that it would not therefore "prejudice any final status issues including final borders".
(GMcG/SP)
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Israeli soldier 'could be released'
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said that an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas-linked militants in June could be released imminently. However, Hamas have reportedly denied the claims. The Israeli army have been conducting an offensive in Gaza since the capture of the solider on June 25.
Israeli soldier 'could be released'
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said that an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas-linked militants in June could be released imminently. However, Hamas have reportedly denied the claims. The Israeli army have been conducting an offensive in Gaza since the capture of the solider on June 25.
28 October 2004
Israel's Gaza pull out a 'real opportunity for progress'
The Israeli disengagement from Gaza will provide a "real opportunity for progress", according to the Foreign Secretary. Last night's Knesset vote, carried by 67-45, saw a clear majority in favour of the Israeli leader's initiative to withdraw troops and settlers from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank.
Israel's Gaza pull out a 'real opportunity for progress'
The Israeli disengagement from Gaza will provide a "real opportunity for progress", according to the Foreign Secretary. Last night's Knesset vote, carried by 67-45, saw a clear majority in favour of the Israeli leader's initiative to withdraw troops and settlers from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank.
28 July 2006
Blair heads to US for Middle East talks
Prime Minister Tony Blair is heading to Washington for talks with US President George W. Bush on the Middle East. Mr Blair is expected to push for a new UN resolution and the dispatch of an international force to Lebanon.
Blair heads to US for Middle East talks
Prime Minister Tony Blair is heading to Washington for talks with US President George W. Bush on the Middle East. Mr Blair is expected to push for a new UN resolution and the dispatch of an international force to Lebanon.
04 October 2004
Straw calls for Israeli restraint to end 'unnecessary suffering'
The British foreign secretary has called for restraint from the Israelis after causing "unnecessary suffering" during recent military incursions into the Gaza Strip. Jack Straw was speaking after a bloody weekend of violence in the region which claimed the lives of at least 70 people.
Straw calls for Israeli restraint to end 'unnecessary suffering'
The British foreign secretary has called for restraint from the Israelis after causing "unnecessary suffering" during recent military incursions into the Gaza Strip. Jack Straw was speaking after a bloody weekend of violence in the region which claimed the lives of at least 70 people.
22 October 2003
UN tells Israel to remove its West Bank security wall
The UN General Assembly has today "overwhelmingly approved" a resolution demanding that Israel stop building its security wall in the West Bank. The Assembly adopted the measure last night by 144 votes to four against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, United States), with 12 abstentions.
UN tells Israel to remove its West Bank security wall
The UN General Assembly has today "overwhelmingly approved" a resolution demanding that Israel stop building its security wall in the West Bank. The Assembly adopted the measure last night by 144 votes to four against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, United States), with 12 abstentions.
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