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