UK Foreign Secretary welcomes Pres. Bush speech Middle East peace process – UK FCO press release/Non-UN document

MILIBAND WELCOMES SPEECH BY PRESIDENT BUSH (16/07/07)

Responding to a speech on the Middle East Peace Process by President Bush on Monday 16 July, the Foreign Secretary said:

'I welcome the important comments and commitments made by President Bush this afternoon. At this critical time, the international community should offer full support to those seeking a negotiated two-state solution to the conflict. We support the efforts to establish a political horizon for a Palestinian state.

'I welcome the President's proposal of an international meeting in the autumn, which can explore how best to move forward.

'The priority now is to help build the institutions of a future Palestinian state, and to foster economic and social development in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

'Together with the EU and the US, we fully support the efforts of the Quartet's Representative, Tony Blair, in working towards these objectives.'