UK Foreign Secretary on Palestinian National Unity Government – UK FCO press release/Non-UN document

PALESTINIAN NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT – BECKETT STATEMENT (17/03/07)

The Foreign Secretary said:

'I welcome President Abbas’ continued efforts at intra-Palestinian reconciliation, which have led to agreement on the forming of a National Unity Government.

'We will judge the Government by its platform and actions and respond accordingly. As Britain has made clear, we have always been willing to work with a government based on the Quartet principles. We will also continue supporting the Palestinian people, including through continued funding of the Temporary International Mechanism.

'I welcome the ongoing dialogue between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas. I hope the National Unity Government will support President Abbas in taking this process forward. The peace process will only move forward through constructive dialogue.'