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Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs written question – answered on 6th September 2013.

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Photo of Richard Burden Richard Burden Chair, International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, Chair, International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of positive steps towards peace taken by the (a) Israeli Government and (b) Palestinian Authority since 29 July 2013.

Photo of Alistair Burt Alistair Burt The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

We warmly welcome the resumption of direct talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Washington on 30 July and the resumption of formal negotiations on 14 August, with a view to resolving all final status issues. The resumption of talks has been possible because of the courageous leadership already shown by Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas, as well as the commitment of negotiators on both sides.

The UK has consistently urged both sides to avoid steps that undermine US efforts and to take measures to build trust. In this regard, we also welcome the bold and forward-looking decision taken by Israel to release 26 Palestinian prisoners in advance of talks.

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