HC Deb 18 February 1987 vol 110 cc693-4W
49. Mr. Walters

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent progress towards a middle east peace settlement.

Mr. Renton

The lack of progress towards a solution of the Arab/Israel dispute is disappointing but there is a growing consensus that a properly managed and prepared international conference could help. We are ready to support realistic initiatives by the parties to narrow the gap on outstanding issues.

62. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking, and what support the United Kingdom will provide, to assist the pursuit of the peace process both in regard to the Egyptian-Israeli dispute and in the middle east generally.

Mr. Renton

Together with our European partners, we are ready to support in any way we can realistic initiatives by the parties to seek negotiated solutions to conflicts in the middle east. We welcome the agreement of Egypt and Israel in September 1986 to arbitration of the dispute over Taba.