§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations have been made to the Israeli Government in respect of concluding arrangements for the return of Palestinian refugees to their homes. [167374]
§ Mr. RammellWe regularly discuss with the Israeli Government issues relating to the Middle East Peace Process. However, the return of refugees is a final status issue and as such must be agreed by negotiation between the two parties. We continue to urge both the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority to implement their commitments under Phase One of the Roadmap as the best way to get to a negotiated settlement, and to the discussion of such issues which will take place in Phase Three.