Straw on Palestinian conference

The Foreign Secretary has condemned yesterday's suicide bombing in Israel. He said it emphasises the need for a political process to bring the Israeli and Palestinian people together.

Mr Straw also commented on reports that the Israeli government has denied Palestinian leaders permission to attend a conference in the UK. He said he was seeking clarification but hoped the Israeli government will think again.

While such bombings require a prompt security reaction they also emphasise the need for a political process, the Foreign Secretary said.

"Because the six million people who live in Israel and three and a half million people who live in Palestine, the occupied territories, can only live in peace if they're going to have a future."

During the interview the Foreign Secretary also commented on the continuing weapons inspections in Iraq. He said it was his "fervent hope" that Saddam Hussein will be disarmed peacefully.