§ 11. Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made with Israel's application for associate member status with the EC.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe 1975 co-operation agreement provides the present basis of the relationship between the EC and Israel. In 1992, the EC and Israel agreed to examine how those arrangements might be updated. The Commission has had exploratory talks with Israel and will soon propose a draft negotiating mandate to the Council.
§ Mrs. KennedyDoes the Minister believe that the economic regeneration of that region is the surest way to achieve stability and lasting peace? If so, will he actively promote—not merely support—Israel's application for associate membership of the EC? Will he further consider the active promotion of Israel's application to join the "Western European and Others" group of the United Nations?
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryI am cautious about using the term "association agreement" because it might imply that EC membership is in prospect when at present it is not. I agree that it is a matter of mutual interest to develop trade relations and better political dialogue.
§ Mr. DykesDoes my hon. Friend agree that Israel's application for associate-only status would be considerably reinforced if the British Government would put pressure on the Arab countries to remove their boycott, which harms Israel's economic performance? If Israel now has the imagination to reach genuine and lasting peace with the Palestinians in the present negotiations, the great 978 prize of the near east common market will be available, including maximum support from the European Community.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryI confirm to my hon. Friend that we deplore the Arab boycott of Israel.
§ Mr. BurdenDoes the Minister agree that, if it is reasonable for Israel to seek closer relationships with the European Community, it is reasonable for the international and European communities to seek from Israel reasonable standards of conduct of the sort expected of other countries? That includes ending the economic strangulation of the west bank and Gaza strip, respecting the rights of Palestinians living in the occupied territories, and abiding by international resolutions such as ending the illegal occupation of the west bank and Gaza strip and the illegal annexation of east Jerusalem.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has repeatedly made it clear that the Israeli defence forces must respect human rights in the occupied territories. We deplore all violence of that nature as well as terrorist activities against Israeli citizens.