§ 9. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the likelihood of negotiations taking place in 1985 on the subject of the Arab-Israeli dispute.
§ Mr. LuceWe remain deeply concerned about the Arab-Israel dispute as an important and dangerous threat to peace in an area of great importance to Europe. We have noted statements in favour of negotiations from Israel and the Arab side. Progress depends on the parties themselves. With our partners in the European Community, and, on the basis of our balanced approach, we shall continue to urge the parties to move forward towards negotiations. The United States' role continues to be of central importance.
§ Mr. AdleyI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that the recent proposals by King Hussein, supported by the Egyptian Government and the PLO, are the most fair and realistic proposals that have come forward for a long time? Do the Government support them? Will he confirm that it is not Government policy to lend support or credence to a policy of countries invading and occupying neighbouring countries because they do not agree with their politics?
§ Mr. LuceWe watch with great interest the development of some proposals and the efforts being made by King Hussein, in consultation principally with Egypt and other Arab countries, and with some Palestinian leaders, with a view to putting forward some proposals, which have not been fully evolved, to provide a basis for discussion. King Hussein is keeping us fully informed.
§ Mr. George RobertsonWill the Minister pay careful attention to the fact that there are signs of conciliatory approaches in the Arab world, and to the fact that a Labour Prime Minister in Israel was associated with the pull-out from Lebanon, which provide a unique opportunity for an initiative to be taken in that troubled part of the world? Will he ensure that the United States is not diverted by something else in the meantime from the urgent task of making that initiative a front part of its policy?
§ Mr. LuceWe have noted with interest the desire of the Israeli Government to negotiate; Israel's Prime Minister has already said that in public. President Reagan made it clear in his address to the United Nations Assembly that his proposals of 1982 remain firmly on the table as a basis for discussion. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has already had discussions with the President about the middle east and other important matters, and will do so again soon. We have a close interest in those matters.