§ Mr. Jim MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to Chairman Arafat regarding terrorism emanating from within the Palestinian Authority. [25462]
§ Mr. BradshawThe Government have repeatedly condemned terrorism, wherever it originates. We have made clear to President Arafat that the Palestinian Authority must dismantle terrorist networks, and arrest and prosecute all suspects. Lord Levy met the Palestinian Authority leadership, including President Arafat, on 18 and 19 December, and reinforced these messages.
§ Mr. Jim MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the number of terrorist attacks carried out by members of the Fatah from within the Palestinian Authority since October 2000. [25463]
§ Mr. BradshawIt is not always possible to determine, with certainty, the responsibility for terrorist attacks. Many attacks are unclaimed, and some claims of responsibility are unreliable. What is important is that President Arafat has committed the Palestinian Authority to an effort to prevent violence by all Palestinian groups operating from the occupied territories. We urge the Palestinian Authority to fulfil this commitment, and Israel to help create the conditions for a return to negotiations. Only a just and lasting peace can assure security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.