§ Mr. Lathamasked the Lord Privy Seal whether contact has been made by Her Majesty's ambassador in Lebanon during the current month regarding the situation in South Lebanon with (a) the Lebanese Government, (b) the units of the Syrian Army described as the Arab Deterrent Force, (c) the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and (d) Major Sa'ad Haddad or his representatives.
§ Mr. HurdHer Majesty's ambassador in Lebanon has been in touch during February with the Lebanese Government about the situation in South Lebanon. He has also had contact with the commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He has had no contact with Major Haddad or his representatives. He has not been306W in recent contact with the commander of the Arab Deterrent Force, although Her Majesty's ambassador in Damascus has discussed the situation in South Lebanon with the Syrian Government this month.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's ambassador to Lebanon has met Yasser Arafat during the present month; if so, why; and whether this meeting represents any change in British policy towards dealing with the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
§ Mr. HurdHer Majesty's ambassador in Lebanon met Mr. Arafat on 15 February to discuss with him our concern at reports of tension in Southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Government and other Governments in the region have also been made fully aware of our concern that the ceasefire in Southern Lebanon should be respected. British officials maintain occasional contacts with representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organisation with the aim of exploring ways towards peace and the latest meeting with Mr. Arafat represents no change in policy.