HC Deb 28 April 2004 vol 420 cc1145-6W
Mr. Sarwar

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the insistence by the Israeli Government that the Palestinians should abandon their right of return to what is now Israel. [168459]

Mr. Rammell

Return of refugees is a final status issue. It must therefore form part of a negotiated settlement between the two parties. Phase Three of the roadmap provides for this. To get back to negotiations, both parties must fulfil their commitments under Phase One of the roadmap.

Mr. Sarwar

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with(a) Israel and (b) the United States on the Israeli Government's policy of targeted assassinations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.[168460]

Mr. Rammell

On 26 April, my right hon. Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean made clear to the Israeli Charge, Mr. Rav-ner, that the Israeli policy of targeted assassinations is illegal, unjustified and counter-productive. Both parties must refrain from actions that may further escalate tensions, including any more such killings. We are in regular contact with the US Administration, at all levels, about the situation in the Middle East, including targeted killings.