HC Deb 29 October 1981 vol 10 c440W

Mr. Teddy Taylor asked the Lord Privy Seal, pursuant to his reply of 26 October, if Her Majesty's Government will make it their policy not to permit meetings between Foreign Office Ministers and Mr. Arafat of the Palestine Liberation Organisation until such time as the Palestine Liberation Organisation recognises the right of the State of Israel to exist.

Mr. Hurd: It is the present policy of Her Majesty's Government that Ministers should not hold meetings with the PLO. My right hon. and noble Friend has consistently made it clear that he would meet Mr. Arafat of the PLO only if such a meeting were to contribute to the cause of peace. We continue to urge on the PLO that it should make clear now its willingness to accept Israel's right to live in peace and security once Israel accepts the right of Palestinians to self—determination.

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