HC Deb 18 December 1985 vol 89 cc286-7
3. Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to assess the degree to which the Arab populations of the West Bank and Gaza regard the Palestine Liberation Organisation as their legitimate representatives in any discussions on the future of the middle east; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Tim Renton)

During my recent middle east tour I met leading Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. They made it clear that the Palestine Liberation Organisation is widely regarded by the local Arab population as its representative.

Mr. Ross

Why then will the Government not take a crucial step and recognise the PLO as the sole, legitimate representative of the aspirations of the Palestinian people by meeting its representatives officially and including them in any further talks on the middle east?

Mr. Renton

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we agreed to the inclusion of two Palestinians in the recent Jordanian-Palestinian delegation that came to London. Unfortunately, in the end, they were not willing to sign the resolution that had been agreed in advance. The question of the recognition of the PLO does not arise, because we recognise states only.

Mr. Sumberg

Will my hon. Friend confirm that unless and until that organisation as a whole—regardless of the views of individual members—renounces terrorism and violence and accepts the right of Israel to exist, there can be no question of any contact or recognition of the PLO by this Government?

Mr. Renton

As I have already said, the question of the recognition of the PLO does not arise. We have urged its leaders to renounce violence and to accept Israel's right to exist within secure and recognised frontiers. It was on that basis that we said we were prepared to meet individual Palestinians who had followed that course.

Mr. Mikardo

Leaving aside the PLO or any other specific organisation, in general is it not nonsense to demand that an organisation, which firmly says that it believes that its problems cannot be solved by negotiation but only by military means, should be brought into negotiations?

Mr. Renton

The hon. Gentleman is simplifying a complex situation in the middle east. The fact is that all those who wish to move the peace process forward recognise that at some stage it will have to involve the Palestinians. A great many Palestinians still regard the PLO as their sole legitimate organisation. It is within that framework that at the moment some middle east leaders are trying to see how the PLO can be associated with discussions.

Mr. Marlow

If the Palestinians are to be criticised for violence and terrorism, should we not likewise criticise the Government of Israel for locking up 12 and 13-year-old children for throwing stones and then not allowing their parents to visit them?

Mr. Renton

We condemn violence and terrorism in the middle east, from whatever side or source it comes.