§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they agree with the French Government's view that there must be an immediate peace settlement in the Middle East, on the grounds that violence there is endemic and will not respond to further security and anti-terrorist measures; and, if not, why not. [HL2986]
§ Baroness AmosIn common with our EU partners, the Government believe there is a need to establish a political perspective. However, the first step must be to establish an acceptable level of security on the ground. As a first step toward talks, the Palestinian Authority must take serious action to stop the violence, dismantle terrorist networks and bring terrorist suspects to justice. Israel must withdraw its forces from Palestinian-controlled areas, end extrajudicial killings, lift the closures and restrictions, and freeze settlements.
§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have protested against the part destruction by the Israeli Defence Force of the trade union headquarters in Nablus; and with what result. [HL2988]
§ Baroness AmosWe are greatly concerned by Israeli destruction of Palestinian Authority infrastructure. Such action does not help the Palestinian Authority to dismantle terrorist networks, undermines the authority of President Arafat, and disrupts Palestinian economic, social and humanitarian development. Together with our EU partners, we raised our concerns at the EU General Affairs Council on 28 January about Israeli destruction of infrastructure funded by EU members. We reserved the right to claim reparation in the appropriate fora.