Blair welcomes 'comprehensive' Israeli strategy

Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Sharon's announcement of a unilateral 'disengagement' plan.

Mr Blair said that the international community should now work together to "seize this opportunity to inject new life into the peace process".

He added: "We all want to see a comprehensive peace agreed by the two sides leading to two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Israeli withdrawal should be an important step toward that objective.

"Israel should now coordinate with the Palestinians on the detailed arrangements. The Palestinian Authority must show the political will to make the withdrawal from Gaza a success and to deliver on their Roadmap responsibilities, especially regarding security."

Mr Blair vowed that the UK would play a "full part" in the international effort, and said that he would discussing the issue further with the UN Secretary-General during today's meeting in New York.

According to the plan, Israel will relocate military installations and all Israeli villages and towns in the Gaza Strip – as well as other military installations and a small number of villages in Samaria.

Balancing the perceived climbdown over the removal of disputed settlers outposts in Palestinian-controlled Gaza – settlements for which Mr Sharon was himself an enthusiastic advocate – the Israeli Prime Minister has called for similar settlements on the West Bank to remain.

The construction of the Security Fence will also be accelerated in order to "ensure the security of the citizens of Israel".

However, Mr Sharon has declared the fence a temporary measure, not a "political barrier" and said that it would not therefore "prejudice any final status issues including final borders".

(GMcG/SP)