HC Deb 24 June 1981 vol 7 cc242-3
40. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Lord Privy Seal what formal arrangements exist for European Economic Community Foreign Ministers to meet in special session when an important development in foreign affairs on which European Economic Community States take a common view occurs, such as the Israeli attack in Iraq in the context of the European Economic Community initiative in the Middle East.

Mr. Hurd

The Foreign Minister holding the Presidency can, either on his initiative or at the suggestion of another member, seek his colleagues' agreement to a meeting at short notice.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Does the Minister agree that the recent attack on Iraq was an act of international gangsterism such as we have come to expect from the Israelis? Is it not time that the Government realised that because of the power of the Zionist lobby in America, a settlement cannot be delivered in the Middle East? Will the Government therefore proceed with the European initiative, and, possibly, seek the co-operation of the Soviet Union, too, in bringing about a settlement in that area?

Mr. Hurd

The hon. Gentleman is a little behind events. As soon as the raid took place, there was an immediate discussion both in the International Atomic Energy Authority in Vienna and in the Security Council in New York. The Ten acted closely and successfully together on both those occasions and in the Security Council, contrary to the impression that the hon. Gentleman seeks to create, the United States went along with the strong resolution.

Mr. Latham

Will my hon. Friend remind the House of the date on which Iraq has signed a ceasefire agreement, or armistice with Israel since 1948? Would it not be a good idea if our EEC partners tried to get the two parties together?

Mr. Hurd

Absolutely, and that is why we took the initiative in the Venice Declaration. Iraq has not conducted military operations against Israel for a long time and she has signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Mr. Home Robertson

Have the European Foreign Ministers received any intimation that Israel is even considering signing the nuclear non-proliferation treaty or that it is prepared to allow international inspection of the nuclear plant at Dimona?

Mr. Hurd

No, Sir. If she took either of those moves than would be large steps forward.

Mr. Churchill

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those who seek to threaten the people of Israel with a second holocaust should not be surprised at the consequences? Will Her Majesty's Government now take up with the Government of France, as a matter of urgency the recklessness and irresponsibility of that Government in supplying weapons grade uranium to a self-proclaimed belligerent Power? Will the Government urge on President Mitterand that the fuel should be caramelised so that it cannot be used for weapons purposes, which is the avowed aim of the President of Iraq?

Mr. Hurd

The quotations put in the mouth of the President of Iraq by the Israelis in justifying the raid have proved not to be correct. The answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's question is "No, Sir".

Mr. Churchill

Disgraceful.

Mr. Hurd

In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, it is a pity that some Israelis continue to use the tragic memories of the holocaust as a justification for breaking international law.