David Miliband

Foreign Secretary

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Wednesday 13 May, 2009

Next Steps on Middle East

The interview by King Abdullah of Jordan in the Times on Monday  puts in stark terms the stakes over the next few months as leaders from the Middle East come to Washington. I set out the UK position at the UN security council on Monday.

Only the two sides can make the compromises necessary for peace. But the international community can support them, and set out steps to ensure any deal is implemented. These "deposits" that I discuss in the speech at the UN make clear how we can make a practical difference.

Historical note: Yitzhak Rabin made a deposit with US Secretary of State Warren Christopher in the early 1990s in respect of the Golan Heights. The idea is simple. You put substance behind the desire for peace. 

Posted at 12:44 13 May 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[4]

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Mr Mliband whilst I appreciate that there are many things wrong with the world I'd like to know why you spend so much time dealing with issues of other countries like this when in the Middle East there are British NAtioanls who are being against there will and without charge and you sit back and do nothing to help. This is now the 3rd time I have written on here about my husband being held in Qatar and you have done nothing to assist with this, despite Bill Rammell being involved. The Middle East has problems but leave the Middle East to sort out it's own issues and start dealing with the issues that effect the day to day lives of men, women and children born and bred in the UK!

Posted by Amanda Noble on May 13, 2009 at 01:33 PM BST #

Dear Mr Miliband, I was experiencing difficulty in sending an e-mail to you and this blog is the best means I could find. On the subject of the Middle East I would like to express my feelings regarding the visit of Avigdor Lieberman. I am extremely disappointed that Mr Lieberman is being welcomed here considering the racist views that he holds. You must be aware that he is not even in favour of a two-state solution. Our country is one that advocates equality and justice and refuses to tolerate any form of racial hatred and inciting violence. It is therefore going against our British values to receive an advocate of genocide, ethnic cleansing and racism. To prove that there is substance behind what the Foreign Office says please demonstrate that you are not biased towards Israel and their illegal occupation. I understand there is much pressure on you from the Zionists but one must be strong to fight for justice. Thank you very much for reading.

Posted by Mr Miah on May 13, 2009 at 03:56 PM BST #

I read the interview with King Abdullah. I thought the King expressed himself very well when he asked the question whether Israel wanted to remain FORTRESS Israel for the next ten years. He does not seem to see Israel as a partner for peace. He has taken a bold position and put an offer on the table. I read your speech. You got it right when we said that we wanted peace but why do you not spell out what you want, what you expect? Israel has the upper hand as they are the stronger party and for that reason they need to be told exactly what is acceptable. You do make it difficult for yourself by not speaking to the elected Hamas representatives.

Posted by Paul Macdonald on May 14, 2009 at 06:59 PM BST #

World continues to witness enough craziness through nationalism and more worst dividing factors like color, race, and gender. But, electing of President Barack Obama shows that values and ideals with a practical plan could have the breakthrough to pierce even the very thick walls of divisions, and people can get united if there is an inspiring goal based on forward values. It’s not just addressing people’s hearts but dealing with their rationality. Benjamin Netanyahu destabilized Yitzhak Rabin’s peace process in 1990’s. He still got all the reasons to be defensive, but he can also be brave to break this vicious cycle through reconciliation.

Posted by Chamila Liyanage on May 18, 2009 at 12:18 AM BST #

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