UK Government must consider all options to ensure Road Map Success - Tonge

10.19.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 24th Jun 2003

Jenny Tonge MP and Oona King MP standing by the security fence at Qalqila on the West Bank

Dr Jenny Tonge MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Development Secretary, has just returned from a trip to Gaza and the West Bank.

She commented: "The situation in the Occupied territories is like South Africa under apartheid. The Palestinians live in impossible conditions. The Road Map must proceed urgently so this situation can end.

"The Road Map process places obligations on both sides. So far, the Palestinians have carried out theirs. Now Israel must honour its side of the bargain.

"Withdrawing to its September 2000 boundary and stopping settlement construction will give hope to the Palestinians and undermine support for Hamas.

"If Israel neglects its commitments under the Road Map, the UK and the EU must consider all options, including sanctions."

Middle East meeting:

In light of her recent trip to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank Jenny Tonge MP is arranging a multifaith debate on the current situation in the Middle East. The debate will take place at the Parish Church on Paradise Road in Richmond on July 15th at 8:00pm.