Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour). It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Thursday, 16 March 2006.

Israel: Boundaries

Question: Whether they will meet representatives of the Government of Israel to discuss recent developments concerning Israel’s boundaries.

Answer: My Lords, final status issues can be resolved only through negotiations and agreement between the parties. Under phase three of the road map, both parties will determine their permanent borders through mutual agreement. Settlement building and routing the barrier on occupied land is illegal under international law. It threatens the territorial contiguity of any future Palestinian state and is an obstacle to peace. The barrier’s route should be on or behind the green line. On 2 March, we raised the issue of settlements and the barrier and discussed Israeli acting Prime Minister Olmert’s future plans for the West Bank with the Israeli Prime Minister’s special adviser.

Secondary information