HC Deb 30 October 1990 vol 178 c457W
Mr. Nellist

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in theOfficial Report the text of his initial condemnation of the killings on 8 October outside the Al-Agsa mosque of 21 Palestinians.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

An FCO spokesman said on 8 OctoberWe do not yet have all the facts. But we are deeply shocked by the extent of the violence. We appeal to the Israeli authorities and to the Palestinian leaders to do all that they can to restore calm in this highly volatile situation. This dreadful incident demonstrates yet again the need for Israelis and Palestinians to begin the dialogue which is the essential first step for the negotiation of peace and security in the region". We joined our EC partners in making a further statement on 9 October which strongly deplored the use of excessive force by Israeli forces.