Foreign Secretary urges bold steps in Middle East peace talks

17 January 2012

Foreign Secretary William Hague discussed recent developments in the Middle East Peace Process with President Abbas. The Foreign Secretary William Hague today met President Abbas who is on a two day visit to the UK as a guest of the British Government. They discussed recent developments in the region, in particular the ongoing peace talks between Palestinian and Israeli negotiators being hosted by Jordan.

Speaking after the meeting the Foreign Secretary said:

"President Abbas and I had a comprehensive discussion about the prospects for peace. I welcomed the talks taking place in Jordan between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and congratulated the President for the decision to engage in them as well as for his unwavering commitment to peace. I stressed the importance Britain attaches to a secure and universally recognised Israel living alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state, based on the borders of 1967, with Jerusalem the future capital of both states, and a fair settlement for refugees. Events in the Middle East and North Africa over the last year have given even more urgency to a return to negotiations on this basis. What we now need to see are bold steps to achieve peace based on concrete proposals. That has to be our focus."