§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received regarding(a) the seven Israeli soldiers and (b) the Israeli civilian, Elchanan Tenenboim, held captive by Hezbollah; and what plans he has to take steps to assist in bringing about their release. [5188]
§ Mr. Bradshaw[holding answer 19 July 2001]: This Government condemn hostage taking under any circumstances. On 3 May my right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary and my hon. Friend the then Minister of State met the families of the three soldiers kidnapped by Hezbollah on 7 October and the reservist Colonel kidnapped on 4 October. We have received a number of letters from Members of this House and members of the public raising their concern about the fate of the captives.
The Government are doing what they can to help and have raised these cases, and continue to do so, with the relevant countries in the region pressing particularly for access to the hostages for the 1CRC. We strongly support all efforts to secure the release of all hostages, particularly efforts led by the United Nations Secretary General.
Although there is no clear evidence on the fate of the other four servicemen, three of whom have been missing in action since 1982, it is important that they are not forgotten. 487W We have continued to raise the fate of these missing servicemen with those who might have information about their whereabouts whenever a suitable opportunity arises.