HC Deb 22 July 1981 vol 9 c154W
27. Mr. Home Robertson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what channels are available for him and his European Economic Community counterparts for discussions with representatives of the Palestinian Arabs.

Sir Ian Gilmour

During their European Community Presidencies both the Luxembourg and Netherlands Foreign Ministers had talks with elected officials in the occupied territories, and with the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which the majority of the Palestinian people see as its representative. There are no plans for meetings between British Ministers and the PLO leadership, but, as the Prime Minister has made clear, it may be necessary for Ministers to hold such meetings during the British Presidency. Any meetings would be aimed at bringing the PLO to accept the principle of a negotiated settlement with Israel.