London, March 21 (NNN-KUNA) British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has welcomed the formation of a Government of National Unity in Palestine.
Beckett told the House of Commons Tuesday she hoped to "see it move clearly" in complying with the principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and accepting previous agreements.
The Foreign Secretary also welcomed the latest round of talks between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
She told MPs: "The peace process will only move forward through constructive dialogue".
Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn said the Israeli policy of "illegal settlements" and the controversial construction of the West Bank wall was a "major cause" of the problems between the two communities.
The Foreign Secretary said: "We do continue to have dialogue with the Israeli government to press them on the issue of settlements, which of course we opposed, and also on the wall".
She said she believed the measures were "counter-productive" to the peace process.
Meanwhile, Beckett said the British Government was "using every channel and opportunity" to secure the release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston.
Johnston, 44, disappeared last week, reportedly snatched by four masked gunmen in Gaza City.
The Foreign Secretary said she had raised the issue with the Palestinian President.
"Im assured by President Abbas that it is very much a goal of the Palestinian government and authorities.
"It is extremely important that we try to secure this and I think it is particularly sad when someone who has been a long-standing friend of the people of Palestine suffers in this way and it does nothing to help," Beckett added.