Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the EU Commissioner's meetings with Chairman Arafat with particular reference to(a) violence and (b) corruption. [155758]
§ Mr. WilsonThe EU Troika of Anna Lindh, the Swedish Foreign Minister, Commissioner Patten and Miguel Moratinos (the EU's Special Envoy to the MEPP) visited Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Egypt on 12 and 13 March. They met with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon, Israeli Foreign Minister Peres, President Arafat, Egyptian President Mabarak and Egyptian Foreign Minister Moussa. The visit went well. The Troika delivered strong messages to the Israelis and the Palestinians, including on the need to end the violence. The Troika urged the Israelis to end the economic siege of the Palestinians and resume the transfer of customs revenues due to the Palestinian Authority.
The Palestinians have, since the visit, written to Commissioner Patten accepting the EU requests that they work up an austerity budget and improve the transparency and accountability of their financial management.
§ Dr. VisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to Chairman Arafat about the actions which he has taken against the Tanzim. [156067]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Government expect both the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel to insist on restraint and disciplined behaviour by their military and security personnel, and to restrain extremism. We are in regular contact with both parties, and urge them to take immediate parallel steps to address the current crisis.