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Resolve Palestinian issue: U.K.

LONDON: Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Thursday emphasised Saudi Arabia’s role in finding a solution to the Palestinian problem as King Abdullah wound up his four-day visit to Britain amid continuing protests by campaign groups over his country’s human rights record and allegations of corruption in U.K.-Saudi arms deals.

However, human rights did not figure in the talks between Mr Brown and the King when they met in Downing Street and the focus, instead, was on the situation in West Asia, especially in the context of the coming U.S.-sponsored Palestinian peace conference in Annapolis, Maryland. London is keen for Saudi Arabia to attend the conference and play a “leadership” role in pushing the peace process but Riyadh believes that Israel must first take some demonstrable confidence-building measures such as releasing Palestinian prisoners and stopping construction of Jewish settlements on Palestinian territory.

One British official was quoted as saying a meeting without the Saudis would be “dead in the water” but during his talks with Mr. Brown, variously described as “warm” and a “meeting of minds”, the King reportedly did not give any indication of his government’s intentions.

Both underlined the importance of working towards a two-state solution. The former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, also met the King in his new “avatar” as an international envoy for West Asia.

Officials said Mr. Brown and his guest focused on the issues that they felt “passionate about.” These included the fight against terrorism — a key area of cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier, in her banquet speech, the Queen stressed that Britain and Saudi Arabia must work together against terrorists “who threaten the way of life of our citizens.” The King provoked a strong reaction when, in a BBC interview ahead of the visit, he accused Britain of not doing enough to tackle terrorism.

The visit — the first by a Saudi monarch in 20 years — was marred by protests, including a boycott by Liberal Democrat acting leader Vince Cable.

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