Middle East: Statement By The Secretary Of State

The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said:

‘Colin Powell’s speech is a major contribution to peacemaking in the Middle East. A few days ago President Bush looked forward to a day when two states - Israel and Palestine - live peacefully together within secure and recognised borders. Colin Powell has now set out the Administration’s vision in more detail: Israel’s right to exist in security, and justice for the Palestinian people. The Mitchell report provides the framework. We join the US in urging the Israelis and Palestinians to engage in a renewed dialogue to achieve these ends.

‘We and our European partners will continue to work closely with the US to help achieve peace in the Middle East. As the world deals with the international terrorist threat, it is more important than ever that we should make progress towards the settlement of conflicts which terrorists exploit.’

ENDS

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