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Foreign Secretary launches "economic aspects of peace in the Middle East" report

Foreign Secretary launches "economic aspects of peace in the Middle East" report

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release issued by The Government News Network on 17 September 2007

Today, the Government launches a new report "The Economic Aspects of peace in the Middle East" which analyses the necessary conditions for economic progress in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Foreign Secretary said:

"The starting point of the British Government's approach is clear. There can be no lasting solution without security for Israel and a just settlement for the Palestinians. So the UK is unstinting in its support for the principle of a two-state solution. We are determined to support all those in the region who are committed to peaceful progress towards this goal.

"But we also need to recognise the importance of economic issues. History has shown that the political, security and economic aspects of conflict are interlinked. By giving people an economic stake in their own future we will support the forces of moderation.

"Those of us from outside the region must tread with some humility. Outsiders cannot in the end substitute for local leadership and reconciliation. But we can and must offer practical support. It is in that spirit that the British government is launching this report.

"I am grateful to Ed Balls and Jon Cunliffe, the co-authors of the report, for the work they have done, and hope it will help to inform other policymakers and businessmen who are working to secure peace in the Middle East."

Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for International Development, said:

"This report makes an important contribution to the peace process, identifying some of the most pressing economic priorities for the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The most significant of these is easing restrictions on the movement of Palestinian people and goods. Israel and the PA need to act urgently to fulfil their obligations in order to achieve this."

Notes To Editors:

1- The report was commissioned by Gordon Brown for G7 Finance Ministers in September 2005 but publication was delayed by the deterioration in the Middle East Peace Process witnessed in the last 18 months.

2- Ed Balls (MP) is the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families. Jon Cunliffe is the Prime Minister's advisor on International Economic Affairs and Europe. When the report was commissioned in 2005, Ed Balls was MP for Normanton, and Jon Cunliffe was the Managing Director of HM Treasury Macro Economics and International Finance Directorate.


Press Office, Downing Street (West), London SW1A 2AL

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