§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current situation in the Gaza strip and Jericho regarding the withdrawal of Israeli military forces, in line with the timetable scheduled for the implementation of the declaration of principles; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI understand that the Israeli army has begun preparation for withdrawal from the Gaza strip and Jericho. The details of that withdrawal are still the subject of negotiations between the parties.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Palestine Liberation Organisation for Her Majesty's Government to join an international observer force to oversee withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza strip and Jericho; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have received no request for participation in an observer force on withdrawal from Gaza and Jericho. We remain ready, together with our European Union partners, to contribute to a temporary international presence in the occupied territories as called for in United Nations Security Council resolution 904, if requested by the parties.