§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations have been made by the European Union to Israel concerning the recent destruction of European Union-funded premises and installations in the Occupied Territories; and, if none, what action Her Majesty's Government will propose to the European Union. [HL2491]
§ Baroness AmosThe General Affairs Council discussed this issue on 28 January 2002. It issued the following statement as part of its conclusions: “The European Union is seriously concerned at the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure and other facilities which help Palestinians in their economic, social and humanitarian development and which are financed by the European Union and other donors. The European Union urges the Government of Israel to put an end to this practice and reserves the right to claim reparation in the appropriate fora”.
§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to Israel following the recent destruction of the television and radio station and other Palestinian institutions in Ramallah, Tulkarm and elsewhere in the Occupied Territories; what response they have received; and what exchanges they have held with the United States Government. [HL2520]
§ Baroness AmosTogether with our European Union partners we raised our concerns about Israeli attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure at the General Affairs Council on 28 January. We reserved the right to claim reparation for the damage to European Union funded infrastructure in the appropriate fora. We remain in close contact with the US and our EU partners in efforts to unblock the peace process. The Foreign Secretary discussed the Middle East Peace Process with Secretary of State Colin Powell in Washington on 31 January. We will continue to work closely with the US and our EU partners to help unblock the peace process.
§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have calculated the cost of the destruction of Palestinian institutions, including both air and sea ports, by Israel since September 2000 (a) to the Palestinian Authority, (b) to the European Union and (c) to the United Kingdom Government. [HL2521]
§ Baroness AmosWe do not have figures for the cost to the Palestinian Authority of the destruction of its institutions. We are not aware of any damage to infrastructure funded bilaterally by the UK. Damage to infrastructure funded by the EU and its member states is estimated at €17.254 million. The General Affairs Council of the European Union raised concerns about destruction of Palestinian infrastructure on 28 January and reserved the right to claim reparation in the appropriate fora.