STRONG VIEWS ON MIDDLE EAST

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jul 2003

David McDowall, Rev Julian Reindorp, Dr JennyTonge MP and Robert Marcus

A well-attended meeting in Richmond Parish Church on Tuesday July 15th, chaired by Vicar Julian Reindorp, heard a variety of views on the future of Israel and the occupied Palestine lands.

The meeting was called by Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, following her recent visit to Israel and the Gaza strip as a guest of Christian Aid. It opened with a short video of Dr Tonge's visit. Local historian David McDowall gave a brief resume of the history of Palestine.

Mr Robert Marcus, of the Kingston Liberal Synagogue, spoke for the Israeli cause. He told the meeting "Abraham had two sons, Isaac and Ishmael – both peoples have a right to this land. If both sides can accept this, everything is negotiable."

Following the meeting, Dr Tonge said: "It was very encouraging to see so many people give up a lovely summer's evening to come and discuss the problems of the Middle East. Many opinions were expressed and useful information was exchanged."

"It was understood by everybody that the Road Map was the only act in town and I promised to put pressure on the British Government to ensure that progress is made towards a secure state of Israel and a secure state of Palestine."

" I have already had meetings with the Prime Minster's personal advisor at 10 Downing Street and with Baroness Symons, Minister of State at the Foreign Office responsible for the Middle East."

ENDS

For further information please contact Serena Hennessy on: 020 8332 7919