Written question asked by John Lyons (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 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 recent representations he has made to the US Administration to encourage them to exert pressure on the Israeli Government in relation to the building of the wall.

Answer: Mr. Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the US Administration to encourage them to exert pressure on the Israeli Government in relation to the building of the wall. [143810] Mr. Rammell: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister discussed the middle east peace process with President Bush during the latter's 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, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, my noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean and Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials regularly discuss key elements of the middle east peace process with the US Administration. The Government recognise Israel's legitimate security concerns, and deplores the terrorist suicide bombings of Israeli civilians. But we consider Israel's building of a 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: 415 c797-8W;415 c795-6W; 143810
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Borders Foreign relations Security USA Israel Palestine Middle East Peace negotiations Occupied territories
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk