§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to discuss with the Governments of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait a timetable or other relevant issue in connection with the promotion of a peace conference to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have made it clear that we intend to return to the unfinished business of the Arab/Israel dispute, including the convening of an international conference at an appropriate time, as soon as Iraq has left Kuwait. Our renewed efforts to find a solution will certainly include consultations with our Arab partners in the coalition against Saddam Hussein.
§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how soon after the expulsion of Iraq from Kuwait Her Majesty's Government will seek a peace conference on the Israeli-Arab issue.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe shall be working to restart the peace process as soon as Iraq has left Kuwait. We have long believed that a properly-structured international conference would, at the right time, be a useful mechanism, but a conference is a technique, not an end in itself. It needs willing participants if it is to get anywhere. There will be much preparatory work to be done. It would not be realistic to set a timetable now.
§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in his meeting with the French Foreign Minister on 24 January, he discussed the question of an international conference designed to address the Israeli-Palestinian issue; and what conclusions were reached.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggA range of topics were discussed, including the Arab/Israel question. The meeting was an exchange of views and not designed to arrive at agreed conclusions.