HL Deb 03 May 1988 vol 496 cc370-3

2.40 p.m.

Lord Molloy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they support the United States proposal for an international conference in an endeavour to resolve the problems involving the Palestinian people in the Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, we support the current United States initiatives aimed at achieving renewed progress towards a negotiated settlement of the Arab/Israel conflict. An essential element in the United States proposals is the convening of an international conference.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that reply. I can understand the loyalty of the Government in supporting the United States despite its dubious action. But it has not achieved much yet. Are the Government not concerned that although the United States has called for an international conference, every time that proposal is made in the Security Council the United States alone vetoes it? Can the Minister say whether it is a fact that the Israelis invaded Lebanon earlier today with 1,500 troops and that they are attacking villages and refugee camps?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I believe that in recent months the United Kingdom view about a number of aspects of Israeli policy has been made very clear. However, we support the current United States initiatives aimed at bringing the parties together to try to reach a solution to this longstanding and tragic problem.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, can the Minister say why the United States vetoes Security Council resolutions which support it in these endeavours?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the United Kingdom has been supporting the resolutions in the United Nations Security Council. I agree that recently the United States vetoed such a resolution. However the United States has supported a number of other resolutions in the Security Council. I believe the way forward is to support the initiative which it is now proposing.

Lord Thomas of Gwydir

My Lords, does my noble friend the Minister agree that there is no prospect of genuine peace in the Arab/Israel conflict unless those Arab states which are in conflict with Israel co-operate with those who seek a peaceful solution? Can he tell the House whether any Arab state other than Egypt, which has a peace agreement with Israel, or any Palestinian leader has replied affirmatively to the US Shultz initiative? What hopes does the Minister think there are for such a response from the Arab and Palestinian side?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, we are hoping that on reflection the Arab countries concerned will see the sense of what is proposed. But it is true to say that some elements in Israel have not accepted the proposals either; we hope that on reflection they will see fit to do so.

Lord Mellish

My Lords, is it not opportune to put on record that Mr. Shultz, the Secretary of State of the United States, has flown thousands of miles to all the warring factions to try to solve this problem? Should we not at least put on record our appreciation of the efforts of one man to try to solve what seems to be an impossible problem?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, as I have said we certainly support the herculean efforts of the United States Secretary of State to secure acceptance of his proposals. It is, I think, worth remembering that the first great step towards peace in the Middle East was the Camp David accord of some years ago which was likewise the result of herculean United States efforts.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, does the noble Lord not agree that if we are ever to have peace in the region Israeli administration of the West Bank and Gaza must be ended? Can the noble Lord say what was the reaction of the Government at the recent meeting of European foreign ministers to the Italian proposal of an interim Community administration under UN auspices?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, as regards the occupied territories, our view is that the Israelis should withdraw from the territories occupied since 1967 as part of a comprehensive peace plan perhaps in accordance with Security Council Resolution 242. Meanwhile the Israelis should administer their occupation in compliance with international law and basic human rights standards.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, I must ask what was the Government's reaction at the meeting of European foreign ministers to the Italians' proposal.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, we issued a statement at the time if the noble Lord is referring to the 15th April meeting. Perhaps I can let the noble Lord have a copy.

Lord Bottomley

My Lords, is it not a fact that since the state of Israel came into being it has been engaged in five wars and started none of them? Has not the Foreign Minister of Israel for a long time pleaded for a conference to discuss a peaceful settlement, receiving no co-operation at all from the Arab countries? If we are to get a peaceful solution the co-operation of all is needed, and Britain, I hope, will play its part.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, Mr. Peres, the Israeli Foreign Minister and deputy Prime Minister, has indeed been supporting the efforts of Mr. Shultz. Unfortunately, Mr. Shamir appears to think otherwise.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, does not the Minister agree that the continuing cruel conflict makes the prospects of a settlement increasingly bleak? While welcoming what has been said about the Government's support for the Shultz initiative, can the Minister say, in the present circumstances, what further practical initiative Her Majesty's Government have in mind? Do they have in mind for example seeking the support of our partners in the European Community for Mr. Shultz and the American Administration in the effort to convene a conference? Does the Minister agree that a conference would not be complete without the participation of the Soviet Union?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I certainly agree that the acceptance at least of this conference by the Soviet Union would be an important factor. But there are many other important factors as well including that which refers to the need to accept the right of the state of Israel to exist with secure borders.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, will not the Minister declare that part of the agreement gave a homeland to the Palestinians? Will he not say that our Government believe that if Israel has the right to exist, so too have the Palestinian people and their country? They have no right to be foully invaded and occupied as they are now.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, we have certainly endorsed the right of self-determination as regards the Palestinian people. We have deplored very strongly some of the things which are presently going on in the occupied territories.