§ 58. Mr. Cowansasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the role of the Soviet Union in the middle east.
§ Mr. LuceA peaceful solution of the fundamental problem of the middle east, the Arab-Israel dispute, is in the interests of the whole international community. As a member of the Security Council the Soviet Union has an important contribution to make to a negotiated peace settlement.
§ 78. Mr. Nelsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, following the discussions held by the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Shoreham (Mr. Luce), during his recent visit 476W to the Sultanate of Oman, he will make representations to the United States Government regarding peace initiatives in the middle east.
§ Mr. LuceI had useful talks with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and the Omani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on 14 January. Our policy is to promote solutions to regional conflicts and the restoration of stability in the middle east. We are ready to support all sensible moves by the parties towards a just and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israel dispute and the Iran-Iraq conflict.
We keep in close contact with the United States on the middle east and make our views on this and other matters clear. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my right hon. and learned Friend will be discussing the middle east during their current visit to Washington.