Both the British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband and the Shadow Foreign Secretary, William Hague, addressed a major annual reception in the British Parliament hosted by the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU) the Palestinian General Delegate to the UK and the Britain-Palestine All Party Parliamentary Group on 5 February 2008, with over 40 Parliamentarians attending.
Commenting on this CAABU Director, Chris Doyle, said that "for the first time both the Foreign and shadow Foreign secretaries had attended and spoken at this annual event. It is very positive sign of British commitment to trying to find a resolution to this conflict and end the suffering of the Palestinian people."
In his speech, the Foreign Secretary stated that 2008 is an important year in the Middle East, "after seven years in which there has been a deep-freeze in the search for a solution. I think it is right, actually, to say that the window of opportunity for a two state solution is closing."
David Miliband also acknowledged the humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinians. "Talking to people who are trying to get medical aid into hospitals in Gaza and the West Bank," he said, "I think brings home the depth of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding for the Palestinian people that sits side by side with the insecurity felt by Israelis."
He also outlined what he called the stateless tragedy of the Palestinians, a situation that embodies issues of human rights, international law, social justice, religious co-existence, land, and mutual responsibility, all of which contribute to an extremely dangerous situation in the Middle East. He added that "at the time of the Oslo process, people talked about hope mixed with apprehension. I think now, it is more common to hear people talking about apprehension occasionally tinged with hope."
Both the Foreign Secretary, and Shadow Foreign Secretary stressed the need for a united position from the British political parties which could contribute in the search for peace.
William Hague told the audience in Parliament that when David Cameron and he met with President Bush two days after the Annapolis meeting in October, on top of their agenda had been "the American commitment to that process and the amount of time that he personally would be giving to this over the next year".
Malcolm Bruce, Liberal Democrat MP and Chairman of the International Development Select Committee also spoke, and stressed that "you cannot spend money in the West Bank let alone Gaza if people cannot move, and if people cannot go about their daily lives". He also stressed that the best hope for Israeli security is a "prosperous, independent Palestine."
The Palestinian General Delegate to the United Kingdom, Professor Manuel Hassassian, argued strongly for backing the Annapolis process. Whilst thanking Britain for its generous financial contributions to Palestinian aid and development, he called for Europe including Britain to play a much greater role than just a funder.
Adam Leach, the Regional Director of Oxfam for the Middle East, highlighted the humanitarian challenges that agencies like Oxfam faced. He expressed concern about the state of both the sewerage and water systems in Gaza, whilst emphasising that unless the Karni crossing is opened, it will be impossible to meet the needs of the people.
The reception was attended by British Members of Parliament and the House of Lords, Ambassadors, leading members of the British Palestinian community, NGOs and other prominent public figures.
This annual reception has taken place every year in the House of Commons since 2003. Previous speakers include Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP; Rt Hon Clare Short; Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean; Dr Kim Howells MP; and Keith Simpson MP.
Richard Burden MP, Chair of the Britain-Palestine APPG, hosted the event and welcomed the speakers. CAABU is the secretariat to the Britain-Palestine All Party Group.
For further details, information and interview requests, please contact Chris Doyle
Phone: +44 20 7832 1310
Fax: +44 20 7832 1329
doylec@caabu.org
About CAABU
The Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding (CAABU) promotes
an enlightened and positive approach to Arab-British relations in Government,
parliament, the media, education and amongst the wider public.
In the light of September 11th, crisis in the Middle East and the continuing
conflict in palestine, CAABU's role is more important than ever.
CAABU is the oldest and largest organisation of its type in Europe having
been set up in 1967. We strive hard to build on the historical, political
and cultural links between the Arab world and Britain which are being eroded
by misunderstanding and negative stereotyping.
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