HC Deb 30 March 1988 vol 130 cc511-2W
19. Mr. Andrew MacKay

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to visit the middle east.

Mr. Mellor

My right hon. and learned Friend has no current plans for an early visit to the middle east. I regularly visit the area, and we keep in the closest touch with developments in the region.

43. Mr. Walters

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards a middle east peace settlement.

Mr. Mellor

We support current efforts to promote the convening of an international conference as a framework for negotiations to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. We hope that all the parties concerned will avoid action which could stifle progress towards a settlement.

50. Mr. Marlow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Government policy towards the Arab-Israeli conflict in the middle east.

Mr. Mellor

We support current efforts to promote the convening of an international conference as a framework for negotiations to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. We hope that all the parties concerned will avoid action which could stifle progress towards a settlement.

57. Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet the Israeli Foreign Minister to discuss the situation in the middle east; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

My right hon. and learned Friend has tic, plans at present for such a meeting.

62. Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contributions he intends to make towards encouraging the Israeli Government to respond favourably to the Shultz plan on the middle east.

Mr. Mellor

We shall continue to stress to the Israeli Government the urgent need for progress towards a peaceful settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Mr. Latham

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the proposals for peace negotiations in the middle east put forward by the United States Secretary of State in his letter to the Prime Minister of Israel dated 4 March; and whether that policy has been conveyed to Mr. Shultz and Mr. Shamir.

Mr. Mellor

We support the United States' initiative, and urge the parties to work for progress on this basis. All concerned are aware of our views.

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