Written question asked by Meg Munn (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 December 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 December 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what influence the United Kingdom is exerting on the United States to put pressure on the Israeli Government to stop the building of the wall. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Ms Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what influence the United Kingdom is exerting on the United States to put pressure on the Israeli Government to stop the building of the wall. [144059] Mr. Rammell: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister discussed the Middle East Peace Process with President Bush during his recent visit to London. In a joint statement on 20 November, they called on all parties to fulfil their obligations under the roadmap, and to refrain from steps which would prevent or prejudge the terms of a final settlement. Additionally, the Foreign Secretary, FCO officials and I regularly discuss key elements of the Middle East Peace Process with the US Administration. The Government recognises Israel's legitimate security concerns, and deplores the terrorist suicide bombings of Israeli civilians. But, we consider Israel's building of a wall, or fence, on occupied land to be unlawful, and have urged the Israeli government to reconsider the route of the fence.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 144059; 415 c795W
Session: 2003-04
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Borders Foreign relations Security USA Israel Palestine Middle East Peace negotiations Occupied territories
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk