Annex 4
STATEMENT ON THE MIDDLE EAST BY THE FOREIGN
SECRETARY
FOREIGN SECRETARY
ROBIN COOK
TODAY ISSUED
THE FOLLOWING
STATEMENT:
"Britain has been in touch with both sides
to urge calm and restraint. It is vital that the violence comes
to an end so that peace talks can get under way again.
I deplore the loss of life and am particularly
distressed that children should have suffered. I share the shock
of all who have seen the moving photographs of the death of 12
year old Mohammed al-Durra. I hope that this tragedy will motivate
all involved to bring new determination to the search for peace.
The events of the last few days have reminded
everyone of the need for urgency in resolving the outstanding
issues in the Middle East. We must not let the peace process be
derailed by those who want no peace. I welcome the fact that there
is to be a meeting in Paris tomorrow between Madeleine Albright,
Ehud Barak and Yassar Arafat.
I have today spoken to Madeleine Albright and
told her I share her deep concern. I have offered all the help
that Britain can give."
Mark Matthews, Press Officer
020 7270 3102
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