Gaza disengagement – Message to PM Sharon from PM Tony Blair – British Prime Minister’s Office press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

ISRAELI DISENGAGEMENT: PM MESSAGE TO ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER SHARON (16/08/05)

In a message to Israeli Prime Minister Sharon, regarding the Israeli disengagement, on Monday 16 August, the Prime Minister, Tony Blair said:

'As your Government carries out the historic step of disengagement from Gaza and parts of the West Bank, I would like to reiterate the British Government's full support for this historic step. I greatly admire the courage with which you have developed and implemented this policy. I believe you are right to see disengagement as an opportunity to pursue a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. I look forward to working with you to help achieve this, and to continuing working together towards a just and lasting peace, free from the scourge of terrorism'.