HC Deb 18 July 2000 vol 354 cc145-6W
Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals his Department has discussed for development aid to Lebanon for reconstruction in Southern Lebanon with (a) the Lebanese Government, (b) other EU member states and (c) the EU' s High Representative, Sr. Javier Solana. [130426]

Mr. Hain

We have discussed proposals for development aid for southern Lebanon with the Lebanese Government, with other EU member states in regular meetings of the relevant EU working groups, and with the European Union Special Envoy, Miguel Moratinos. These proposals focus on the rehabilitation of southern Lebanon into the infrastructure of Lebanon and the effective disbursement of international aid to the area.

Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals his Department has discussed for resolving the issue of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon with(a) the Lebanese Government and (b) other EU member states. [130427]

Mr. Hain

The issue of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon is part of the wider permanent status negotiations between the Israeli Government and the PLO. We support for all Palestinian refugees the implementation of UNGA Resolution 194 through negotiation and agreement between the parties. We discuss this issue regularly with the Lebanese Government, as host country of this refugee group, and wither other EU member states, as well as with Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

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