HC Deb 15 January 1993 vol 216 cc853-4W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Israel in regard to the expulsion of more than 400 Palestinians in December 1992; and what representations Her Majesty's Government have made on the expulsions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We have drawn the attention of the Israeli Government to the two EC statements which condemned the deportations, urged the Israelis to return the deportees, and emphasised the importance of pursuing the peace process. And since the adoption of the Security Council resolution 799 the British ambassador has continued to underline to the Israelis our strong views on this issue. The UNHCR is not at present involved in this issue.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evaluation Her Majesty's Government have made of the relevance of article 49 of the fourth Geneva convention (1949) on human rights to Israel's expulsion of over 400 Palestinians in December; and what representations have been made to the International Red Cross by Her Majesty's Government on the matter.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We consider the deportations to be in violation of the fourth Geneva convention. We remain in close contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to his Israeli counterpart in regard to United Nations Security Council resolution 799(92).

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Since the adoption of Security Council resolution 799 the British ambassador has continued to underline to the Israelis our strong views on the question of the Palestinian deportees.