Palestine

HC Deb 03 December 1980 vol 995 cc254-5

11. Mr. John Home Robertson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has been made with the European initiative for a settlement of the Palestinian question.

10. Dr. M. S. Miller

asked the Lord Privy Seal what was the result of the meeting of the Heads of State of the European Economic Community countries in relation to the Middle East situation.

Sir Ian Gilmour

The Heads of State and of Governments of the Nine reaffirmed in a statement at Luxembourg yesterday their belief that the Venice principles contain the elements for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace settlement. They agreed on a programme of action requiring new contacts with the parties concerned.

Mr. Home Robertson

Is the Minister aware that there is growing support both in the House and in the country for the principle that the Palestinian Arabs are every bit as entitled to a national home as their Jewish neighbours? The right hon. Gentleman will recall that Lord Balfour made a famous declaration on Jewish national rights. Does he agree that the time has now come for perhaps a Gilmour declaration committing Europe to a stance in favour of Palestinian Arab national rights?

Sir Ian Gilmour

I do not think that would be appropriate. However, I agree with the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question. There is a growing understanding of the rights of Palestinians. As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, that is one of the two main principles of the Venice declaration.

Mr. Walters

The prevailing surge of Arab disunity may give pleasure to Mr. Begin, but it is very bad news for the West. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the European Economic Community will persist with the utmost vigour in its initiative in trying to bring about a just solution of the Arab-Israeli dispute which continues to poison the whole area?

Sir Ian Gilmour

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that whatever may be the other important disputes in the Middle East, the Arab-Israeli dispute has not lost its importance. As the declaration in Luxembourg yesterday made clear, Europe will continue with its efforts.

Mr. Mikardo

In view of the flat rejection of the Venice communiqué by both the Israelis, which was predictable, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation, which I believe shook the right hon. Gentleman rigid, would it not be more practicable to go easy on the European initiative until the noble Lord has had a chance of consulting the new Americal Administration and assumes the chairmanship of the Council of Foreign Ministers in the middle of next year?

Sir Ian Gilmour

I was not shaken rigid or otherwise. Both the Israelis and the Palestinians agreed to see Mr. Thorn, who was the representative of the Nine on this occasion, and they had long and fruitful talks. The policies of the new American Administration will be of the greatest importance. We have always made it clear that we shall wish to consult closely our American allies. There is no question of rivalry or strife between us.

Mr. Latham

But will my right hon. Friend confirm that any European diplomacy will be regarded as carrying forward the Camp David process rather than attempting to frustrate it? In that regard, obviously the perceptions of President-elect Reagan are immensely important.

Sir Ian Gilmour

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that President Reagan's policies will be of the greatest importance. We have always made clear that we have no intention of cutting across the Camp David agreement. We wish it well. How it will work out, of course, remains to be seen.

Mrs. Dunwoody

Would not one of the best ways of carrying forward the negotiation be for each side to agree on the territorial integrity of the other, and certainly to accept the right to live in peace in that area?

Sir Ian Gilmour

I entirely agree with the hon. Lady. She has enunciated briefly the main principles of the Venice declaration.