As popular uprisings unfold across the Middle East and North Africa, The Elders commend the courageous citizens campaigning to reform their societies and express their solidarity with all those crying out for freedom and basic rights.

Following the release of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, The Elders repeat their call for all political prisoners in the country to be released and express concern about Burma's recent national elections, which were neither free nor fair.

The possibility of a viable two-state solution being eroded by settlement expansion, Palestinian home demolitions and deportations

Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt and Jimmy Carter are in the Middle East to encourage support for a two-state solution, but also to highlight issues that stand in the way of achieving “a just and secure peace for all”. They conclude their week-long visit to the region on Friday. During their visit to the region they have held meetings in Gaza, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the West Bank.

Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt and Lakhdar Brahimi say the isolation of Gaza is not only illegal collective punishment, but also an impediment to peace. President Carter will join his fellow Elders in Egypt on their return from Gaza.

After visiting Gaza during their week-long visit to the Middle East, Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt and Lakhdar Brahimi condemn the illegal blockade of Gaza saying that it not only helps to perpetuate dire humanitarian conditions, but is also an impediment to peace.