HC Deb 05 May 1982 vol 23 cc88-9W
28. Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government, in seeking a lasting peace settlement in the Middle East, to seek self determination within an independent sovereign State for the Palestinians.

Mr. Hurd

The position set out in the Venice declaration is that the Palestinian people must be placed in a position, within the framework of a comprehensive peace settlement, to exercise fully their right to self-determination. This logically cannot exclude the right to a State if that is what the Palestinians determine for themselves.

30. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now visit Jordan and the West Bank in order to further the policy of maintaining the peace of the area.

Mr. Hurd

We maintain close contact with all the parties concerned. My right hon. Friend hopes to visit Jordan as soon as circumstances permit, but has, at present, no plans to visit the West Bank. A senior Foreign and Commonwealth Office official, Sir John Leahy, visited the West Bank in April, when he had talks with Palestinian mayors.

32. Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of the European initiative on the Middle East.

Mr. Hurd

The Ten remain committed to work energetically towards a just solution of the problems of the Middle East on the basis of the principles set out in the Venice declaration. We and our partners in the Ten have made clear our concern at the recent rise in tension in the region. It is crucially important that the parties directly concerned indicate their willingness to recognise one another's legitimate rights and work towards a comprehensive peace settlement.

34. Dr. M. S. Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of Israel's observance of the Camp David accords in respect of the withdrawal from Sinai, Her Majesty's Government will now make it its policy to co-operate with Egypt and Israel in furthering the peace process based on those accords.

Mr. Hurd

We have welcomed the Egypt-Israel peace treaty and the Israeli withdrawal from Sinai as important steps forward in the search for a comprehensive peace settlement. The requirement now is to find a means of involving the Palestinians themselves in negotiations about their own future. We shall continue contacts with all the parties in the search for a way forward.

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