Miliband wants Arab support
David Miliband has said the UK will support the process "practically and politically"
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Published by Gibson Square, out November 15th, 204 pages, £12. |  |
Sunday, 18, Nov 2007 04:22
David Miliband has called on Arab countries to support the Israelis and Palestinians as they begin reviving the Middle East roadmap.
Speaking in a press conference in Jerusalem alongside Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni, the foreign secretary said other countries in the region could play a "critical role" in supporting the development of a two-state solution.
The Israelis and Palestinians are due to sit down in Annapolis in the US state of Maryland next week to launch the new process, seven years after the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat rejected a separate-state offer from the Israelis.
Mr Miliband said the costs of such delays, including "fear and insecurity and in some cases death", were "sufficient motivation" for both sides to seek agreement vigorously.
"I believe the seriousness of purpose of leaders on both sides is something that the whole of the international community has a responsibility to support," he said.
"I am very committed to the idea that the UK will play its part practically and politically. But obviously… right around the world there are countries that can play a critical role.
"That especially applies in the region and I very much hope the contribution of Arab states will take that forward."
Ms Livni said she expected next week would be a "success" in launching negotiations, but stressed that "the idea of the meeting is not to address the core issues".
"The real question, the way I see it, is not the meeting itself but the months after the meeting," she added.
"I think… [the Palestinians] could have celebrated the seventh anniversary of a Palestinian state these days," she added.