Israel

HC Deb 14 November 1984 vol 67 cc670-2

6. Mr. Temple-Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Israel.

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Sir Geoffrey Howe)

I visited Israel from 28 to 30 October. I was able to have friendly and open discussions with senior Ministers in the new Israeli Government on international and bilateral issues. I explained to them our support for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon and for early progress towards a settlement of the Arab/Israel dispute. I also had a most useful meeting with Palestinian representatives.

Mr. Temple-Morris

My right hon. and learned Friend is to be congratulated on the way that he handled that visit. Does he agree that now is a very appropriate time for a new and major United States initiative to achieve peace in the middle east? Would not that initiative benefit from the fact that the Israeli response, for better or worse—and it is to be hoped for better—would be the response of a national coalition Government?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I agree that the Arab-Israel problem cannot and will not be solved simply by being neglected and that time is not on the side of those who argue that. There is a case for seeking once again to move forward the search for a peaceful conclusion of the differences there, and the completion of the American election provides a fresh opportunity for considering that matter actively. Whether the existence of a coalition Government makes it easier or more difficult to see progress is a matter about which I reserve judgment.

Mr. Johnston

Did the right hon. and learned Gentleman discuss with the Israeli Government the absolute necessity of halting Israeli settlements on the West Bank as a precondition for any initiative of the kind suggested by the hon. Member for Leominster (Mr. Temple-Morris) and state that that point was being put strongly to the United States Government?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

That was certainly one of the points to which I drew attention. I drew attention to the need to have regard to both principles — respect for Israel's right to a secure existence and respect for the right of the Palestinians to self-determination—if there is to be progress towards a solution. I made it plain that the Israeli settlements were illegal, that their continued existence represented an obstacle to peace and that a freeze on that policy would increase confidence in Israeli intentions.

Mr. Latham

I congratulate my right hon. and learned Friend on his successful visit. Will he take this opportunity to put his weight behind a strengthening of UNIFIL and its redeployment in south Lebanon to help bring about a withdrawal of Israeli armed forces and at the same time to protect Israel's northern frontier and its communities in Galilee?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

We have long favoured an expansion in the size and mandate of UNIFIL to facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Indeed, the idea was first put forward by this country in September last year.

Mr. Janner

In view of the improved relations between the United Kingdom and Israel fostered by the Foreign Secretary's visit, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman reaffirm the Government's opposition to the Arab boycott and reconsider the continued authentication of Arab boycott documents, which is so greatly resented by Israel and by those who believe in free trade among democratic countries?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I certainly renew our deploration of all attempts by third parties to restrict trade with Israel and thus of the boycott itself. As the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, just over a year ago we completed a review of the kind that he requests on Foreign and Commonwealth Office authentication. We concluded that it would not be right to change the present position. It is a standard legal procedure and does no more than confirm the validity of the signature. It is true that this causes continuing anxiety in Israel—I heard and took note of it—but I do not wish to encourage the belief that we intend to renew the review.

Mr. Walters

As the illegal Israeli settlements on the occupied West Bank are a major impediment to progress towards peace, what further steps does my right hon. and learned Friend intend to take, possibly with our European partners, to ensure that that major obstacle is removed?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

We shall be considering the matter yet again in the European Community in the light of the re-election of President Reagan, but I do not wish to encourage the belief that we shall be launching a new initiative — [Interruption.] I appreciate hon. Members' amusement at that comment, but it is all too easy to generate the hope of some dramatic new breakthrough when what is really needed is sustained application by the European Community, in consultation with the United States, to try to get the parties to move forward along the lines that I have described. I shall certainly seek to promote progress in that direction.

Mr. Concannon

Having been involved in the Palestinian problem for nearly 40 years, since 1945, I thank the Foreign Secretary for his robust statement regarding the Palestinians and for meeting their representatives. Is there any chance of some action to follow those final words?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. In the interests of Israel as much as of the Palestinians the problem cannot be left to fester, as it is likely to get worse rather than better. It is thus important to urge on both sides the need to move towards recognising the principles that I have enunciated and to start the negotiation process. We shall do all that we sensibly can within the European Community and in concert with the United States, but the 40-year duration to which the right hon. Gentleman refers is one reason for approaching the matter with a cautious, though energetic, disposition.