JERUSALEM, January 10, 2012 (WAFA) - British Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, today completed his third visit within a year to the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), Tuesday said a press release by British Consulate-General in Jerusalem.
Burt met Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat, and other key decision makers.
The Minister made clear the British government’s strong support for the peace talks in Jordan being facilitated by King Abdullah and by the Quartet: a positive development, and an opportunity which both parties should grasp.
They also discussed the forthcoming visit to London of President Mahmoud Abbas.
In addition, Fayyad accepted Burt’s invitation to visit the United Kingdom in the Spring, to strengthen still further Palestinian/ UK cooperation to build the institutions of a Palestinian state.
Speaking after the meetings, Burt said: “Today I made clear the vital importance of continuing to pursue a negotiated solution to this dispute, so urgently needed for the future well-being of the Palestinians, the Israelis and the region.
We look forward to the visit of HE President Mahmoud Abbas to London, when we will discuss how best the United Kingdom can contribute to this vital work.”
During his visit, Burt also went to the Qalandia crossing point between Ramallah and Jerusalem, to witness the daily reality of movement and access issues for Palestinians.
He also visited the Bedouin community of Khan Al Ahmar, threatened with forcible transfer and the Jordan Valley village of Fasayel, where he learnt of the challenges facing Palestinians living in Area C – particularly the difficulties faced trying to secure building permits from the Israeli authorities.
The Minister also returned to the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh to pay his condolences to the family of Mustapha Tamimi, the 27 year-old killed during a demonstration on 10 December last year.Palestine News & Info Agency - WAFA
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