Written question asked by Crispin Blunt (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 November 2007. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 November 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Gaza: Travel Restrictions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his comments of 12 November 2007, Official Report, column 405, on the Debate on the address, whether in his assessment the access and egress arrangements for the local population in Gaza were satisfactory before 14 June.

Answer: As my right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary (Margaret Beckett) said in a written answer to the right hon. Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague) on 4 June 2007, Official Report, column 242W."““It is essential that progress is made on movement and access in, and between, the West Bank and Gaza and security sector transformation to ensure a viable future Palestinian state. This requires the active engagement of both parties. In the meantime, we will continue to call upon both parties to implement their commitments under the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access and support US Security Co-ordinator General Dayton's plans on security sector transformation.””"We have regularly called on both parties to implement the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access. The 23 April EU General Affairs External Relations Council recalled"““the utmost importance of the full implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access. It urges that Rafah and all other crossing points, notable Kami, be reopened and remain open””."

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 166316; 467 c941-2W
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Foreign Affairs and Defence
Monday, 12 November 2007
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons
Subjects: Borders Travel restrictions Gaza
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk