G8 STATEMENT: MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

Resolution of the Middle East conflict is critical to peace in the world and prosperity in the region.  Our common goal remains a final settlement of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict based on the creation of a viable, democratic Palestinian state living in peace, dignity and prosperity side-by-side with a secure, universally recognized Israel.

We welcome Israel's planned disengagement from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. The success of this courageous step will require close coordination between the parties.

We welcome and endorse the plans presented to us by James Wolfensohn as the Quartet's Special Envoy for Disengagement, to support economic regeneration and further Palestinian governance reform.  Mr Wolfensohn’s work should complement that of General William Ward on security issues.  These efforts will build on the London Meeting on Supporting the Palestinian Authority of 1 March 2005.  We urge the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to engage fully and constructively in implementing Mr Wolfensohn’s plans.

We support Mr Wolfensohn’s intention to stimulate an overall financial contribution of up to $3bn per year over the coming three years.  Domestic and international investors should be full partners to this process.  We will mobilise practical support for Mr Wolfensohn’s efforts and look forward to further development of his plans and their presentation to the Quartet in September.  We note the strong interest of Arab States and members of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, and encourage them to provide further practical and financial support.

Both parties must meet their commitments under the Roadmap.  The Government of Israel should ensure that the barrier is a security, and not a political barrier.  Israel should fundamentally ease the system of movement restrictions that prevent Palestinian economic recovery, consistent with Israel’s security needs.  Palestinian economic revival requires systematic reform driven by the Palestinian Authority, which must re-establish internal law and order, and take effective action to confront terrorism.

The global significance of this conflict requires strong engagement by the international community, led by and working through the Quartet.  We underline our resolve to support both sides in meeting their Roadmap commitments and call on others to do the same.

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