HC Deb 09 May 1990 vol 172 cc174-5W
36. Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Britain's contribution to finding a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israel conflict acceptable to the international community.

Mr. Waldegrave

We are continuing to encourage a dialogue between Israel and representative Palestinians as a first step towards a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israel dispute. We look to the next Israeli Government, as we do to the PLO, to play a positive and constructive part in developing such a dialogue.

54. Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for peace in the middle east of advice given by Yasser Arafat at a meeting of leaders of the Intifada held in Baghdad, to the effect that the Palestine Liberation Organisation's supporters should open fire on new Jewish immigrants.

Mr. Waldegrave

The reports of Mr. Arafat's remarks appear to derive from one newspaper article of doubtful authenticity which has been denied by the PLO. The PLO is well aware that we deplore violence from whatever quarter.

89. Mr. Nellist

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Israeli Government concerning the continued occupation of the west bank and the Gaza strip; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

The Israeli Government are well aware of our view that Israel should withdraw from territories occupied since 1967 as part of a comprehensive peace settlement.

90. Mr. Archer

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to meet representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organisation to discuss recent statements by Mr. Yasser Arafat.

Mr. Waldegrave

No. They are already well aware of our view that only peaceful dialogue, not violence, can achieve peace in the middle east.