HL Deb 31 March 1993 vol 544 cc53-4WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with the United States administration that Israel need not comply with the United Nations Security Council resolution on the Palestinian deportees, and whether they have discussed the matter with them.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The Israelis have offered to return 100 deportees immediately and the remainder by the end of 1993. They have stated in writing that the offer is consistent with the principles of Security Council Resolution 799. The Israeli Foreign Minister told the President of the Security Council that deportations were an exception to Israeli policy. These are steps in the right direction. We shall do our best to ensure that the Israelis build on them. Meanwhile the priority must be an early return to the negotiating table. We regularly discuss these issues with the United States administration.