HC Deb 24 October 1985 vol 84 c247W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report the text of the statement on the middle east which one of the members of the proposed Palestine Liberation Organisation delegation, Mr. Milhen, declined to sign.

Mr. Renton

The agreed statement which we expected the joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation would issue stated thatthe members of the joint delegation reiterated their personal support for a peaceful settlement of the Arab-Israel dispute on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions, including Resolutions 242 and 338 of the Security Council. They stated that in accordance with these resolutions a settlement should recognise the rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination within the context of a Jordanian-Palestinian confederation, as well as the right to secure existence of all states in the area, including Israel within its 1967 borders. They confirmed their opposition to all forms of terrorism and violence from whatever source.

Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at what stage and in what circumstances he expects to meet with representatives of the Palestinian people.

Mr. Renton

My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans at present for meetings with Palestinians. We shall continue to encourage the leaders of moderate Palestinian opinion to work for a just and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israel dispute through negotiation.

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