Mr Major’s Statement after Meeting with Shimon Peres – 8 September 1992

Below is the text of Mr Major’s doorstep statement following a meeting with Shimon Peres, the Israeli Foreign Minister, on 8th September 1992.

PRIME MINISTER:

We have been discussing the peace making process and the progress that has been made, and I think it is a much happier atmosphere that exists and a greater prospect of peace. I have made it perfectly clear that we would do whatever we can to speed that peace process up – not just the United Kingdom but the whole of Europe want to see that peace process make progress so it is in the interests of all the people in Israel and all the people throughout the Middle East.

People are sitting down and talking now – that is very welcome. It is a credit to both sides that they are doing so. I think it is essential that those talks continue. From time to time there will be difficulties, there will be hitches and set backs but the important ingredient is that those talks are taking place and that those talks continue despite the setbacks that might occur. I believe there is a will there to continue those talks – it has not always been evident, but it is evident now and I think that is a very good sign.