Foreign Secretary regrets departure of Palestinian Prime Minister
Foreign Secretary praises the contribution of Dr Salam Fayyad and urges a return to negotiations on a two-state solution.
Arabic text:
Speaking on Sunday 14 April, Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
“I regret to hear that Dr Salam Fayyad has resigned as Palestinian Prime Minister. Dr Fayyad has made an outstanding contribution to Palestinian state-building, as Finance Minister then as Prime Minister. He has been a close partner to successive British Governments.
“Thanks to his dedication and energy, the Palestinian Authority has taken great strides forward in building the institutions necessary for a Palestinian state. Palestinian institutions are now stronger and more transparent. Despite serious economic constraints, the World Bank, IMF and Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ last year all said that the Palestinian Authority has the capacity to be a functioning state in important sectors.
“This development is a reminder of the urgency of returning to negotiations on a two-state solution. We need to see a clear path leading to a viable, independent Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, living in peace and security with Israel. And the vital work of Palestinian state-building must go on. 2013 is a crucial year for Middle East peace. We will continue to work with President Abbas, Prime Minister Netanyahu and with our US and EU partners, to urge the necessary progress.”
doclink:
Country: United Kingdom
Subject: Economic issues, Peace process, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 15/04/2013