Anglo-Israeli Relations (Hansard, 28 October 1992)

§ 13. Mr. Bell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Anglo-Israeli relations.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
There have been positive developments recently since the election of the new Israeli Government in June. We have had numerous contacts with them at all levels to encourage Israel to make the best of new opportunities in the peace programme. The Israeli Foreign Minister called on the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary in London in September. The Israeli Prime Minister will meet the Prime Minister in London in December. The Prime Minister has expressed his hope to visit Israel next year.

§ Mr. Bell
I am grateful to the Minister of State for that response. Is it not refreshing to be dealing with a Labour Government in Israel who seem to understand the peace process and are committed to it? Is it not a fact that a time of crisis is a time of opportunity? There is still a crisis in northern Israel and southern Lebanon and an opportunity exists—a precious opportunity, as the Foreign Secretary said—and the peace process must continue. Will the Minister of State and Her Majesty's Government use Mr. Rabin's visit in December to ensure a fruitful and positive outcome of the peace talks?

§ Mr. Hogg
We very much welcome the impetus that Prime Minister Rabin has given to the peace process. It is enormously valuable and it creates a good opportunity to make an agreement with all the parties. We will certainly do whatever we can to reinforce that process—recognis-ing, as we do, the need to provide security for Israel and the need to comply with United Nations resolutions 242 and 338.

§ Mr. Batiste
My right hon. and learned Friend said a few moments ago that a proper response to the flexibility being shown by the new Israeli Government would be for the Arab Governments to end the boycott. What action is he taking to promote that process in discussions with Arab Governments?

§ Mr. Hogg
My hon. Friend is right. The movement on settlements has been dramatic and important. It removes a barrier to the peace process. It is important that the Arab Governments respond to what has been done. We are impressing on them, both bilaterally and with the Community, the need for them to tackle the question of the Arab trade boycott. We think that it is wrong and should be removed, and we are saying so.

§ Mr. Janner
What response has the Minister received to his representations to Arab Governments regarding the Arab boycott?

§ Mr. Hogg
The response is encouraging, but it has not yet gone far enough. We shall therefore go on pressing the Arab states on the need to get rid of the boycott, which we believe to be wrong and an obstacle to the creation of confidence which is essential if there is to be a total agreement.