HL Deb 11 May 1989 vol 507 cc748-50

3.10 p.m.

Lord Molloy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consider calling a conference of international organisations including the United Nations, the European Community and the League of Arab States, to seek and enforce a solution to the conflict in the Lebanon.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)

No, my Lords. The Arab league is still active in seeking a negotiated ceasefire and settlement in Lebanon. We support its efforts, and would not wish to start further negotiations which might undermine them.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he aware that the last time we discussed this matter, he said in this House that the Government were considering raising it as an emergency issue at the Security Council of the United Nations? Can he say whether any progress has been made apropos that proposal?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I do not believe that I said that in quite the way which the noble Lord suggests. As regards the United Nations, he will be aware that the Security Council's views were expressed in the president's statement of 31st March. That statement expressed how gravely concerned it was about the present situation. It called for an immediate ceasefire and supported the efforts being worked for towards a peaceful solution. As I said on the last occasion, we are constantly in touch with the Secretary General.

Lord Tordoff

My Lords, will the Minister reinforce what he said on the last occasion that this matter was discussed in the House in relation to the Government's support of the Arab league, particularly in the light of the threats made by Mr. Walid Jumblatt yesterday when he threatened that Arab league observers would be sent back in coffins?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, we still consider that the Arab league's efforts offer the best chance of success in the present circumstances. It should be allowed a free hand before the international community considers alternative approaches such as the one advocated by the noble Lord, Lord Molloy. I can certainly say that we deplore threats to the Arab league observers reportedly issued by the Druze leader, Mr. Jumblatt.

Lord Bruce-Gardyne

My Lords, can my noble friend tell your Lordships how a conference such as the one suggested by the noble Lord, Lord Molloy, or indeed any other conference, could enforce a solution to the Lebanese conflict?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I very much take on board my noble friend's worries. I believe that there are two reasons why it would not be practicable for the United Nations to sort it out in quite the way suggested by the noble Lord, Lord Molloy. First, despite justified international concern—and it is justified—and the presence of foreign forces, it remains an internal problem. Secondly, the United Nations Charter says that regional grouping should be used first to deal with this kind of problem. I should have thought that the Arab league was the right answer for this particular issue.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, the Secretary General of the United Nations recently appealed for humanitarian aid for the people of the Lebanon who have suffered so greatly in recent years. Can the Minister say what is the response of Her Majesty's Government to that appeal? Secondly, we understand that the British ambassador in the Lebanon, whose work we all greatly admire, met the Christian leader, General Aoun, a few days ago. Can the noble Lord say what the object of that discussion was and whether it might lead to some new initiatives?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for his comments about the work of the ambassador and his staff. They are doing an excellent job in what the whole House will appreciate are very difficult circumstances indeed. However, I regret that I am unable to tell the noble Lord what took place at that meeting but I shall certainly find out and let him know. On humanitarian aid, our contribution to the Lebanon amounts to nearly £1 million a year and that is mostly through the United Nations organisations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. I believe that represents the most effective way of getting aid to the Lebanon and we will continue to pursue it.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that most countries feel that the endeavours of the British Government are by far the best? However, I hope the Government will at all times seek international co-operation on any action taken. The last thing that the world wants are clever moves without any international conference being held, as happened in Vietnam. Will the noble Lord be prepared to examine the other serious issue in this Lebanon crisis? Many Lebanese people have had to flee their country and live elsewhere, many in this country. They have left relatives behind. Should not that be referred to the United Nations?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his support for the measures we are taking in our general encouragement to bring about a proper internal solution to the problem. As regards Lebanese living elsewhere, that is an important point but their best interests also will be served by the solution which the noble Lord hopes will eventually emerge.

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