Occupied Territories (Hansard, 29 April 1994)

§ Mr. Worthington
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress being made in the Israel-Palestine Liberation Organisation talks in Cairo, with particular reference to settlements, release of prisoners, security forces and the powers of the Palestinian judiciary.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
We understand good progress is being made at the talks in Cairo. Settlements are a final status issue. The Israel-PLO declaration of principles makes it clear that it is to be discussed as soon as possible during the interim period of five years leading to final status, but not later than the beginning of the third year. The interim period starts upon Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Jericho. Israeli negotiators have stated that Israel will release 5,000 of the remaining 8,400 Palestinian prisoners. They have however said that they will not release prisoners who are members of Hamas. Agreement has been reached on a Palestinian police force of 9,000 men for Gaza and Jericho. Judicial issues are still under discussion.

§ Mr. Worthington
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current position of the Israeli Government on withdrawal from the Golan Heights.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
Prime Minister Rabin has said that any "significant" withdrawal would be dependent upon a referendum in Israel.

§ Mr. Worthington
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Israel's current position on the removal of settlements on the Golan Heights.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
Prime Minister Rabin has stated publicly that he would be prepared to evacuate settlements anywhere in the occupied territories if that were necessary for peace.

§ Mr. Worthington
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Palestinian police are scheduled to enter the Gaza strip and Jericho; and what representations he has been making to the Government of Israel to make this date as early as possible.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
The Palestinian police are due to assume their duties in Gaza and Jericho once an agreement on Israeli withdrawal is signed. We have emphasised to both sides the importance we attach to rapid conclusion of this agreement.