HC Deb 05 May 1988 vol 132 cc578-9W
Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the United States Government about the closure of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation office in Washington DC; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

None.

Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek a meeting with representatives of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation to seek clarification of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation's position regarding participation in any peace conference; and if he will take such an opportunity to further British-Arab understanding of the Palestine problem.

Mr. Mellor

No. My right hon. and learned Friend does not propose to meet PLO leaders as long as their policy remains ambiguous on renunciation of the use of violence, acceptance of United Nations Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and recognition of Israel's right to secure existence.

Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the United States Government about the closure of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation observer office at the United Nations.

Mr. Mellor

We and our European partners have on several occasions made clear to the United States Administration our view that the PLO observer mission to the United Nations should be allowed to remain open.