§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with EU Commissioner Chris Patten regarding the level of corruption in the Palestinian Authority. [160982]
§ Mr. WilsonWe fully support calls by the EU General Affairs Council for the Palestinian Authority to take effective measures against corruption. We welcome EU Commissioner Chris Patten's efforts to encourage greater transparency within the Palestinian Authority.
The Government regularly urge the Palestinian Authority to implement effective reforms. The Foreign Secretary last raised the issue directly with Palestinian Minister for Planning and International Co-operation, Nabil Sha'ath when they met on 1 May.