§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in other European Union countries on seeking compensation from the Israeli Government for damage to or the destruction of EU-financed projects in Gaza and the West Bank as a result of Israeli military action. [53436]
§ Mr. Straw[holding answer 2 May 2002]: The damage to EU and other donor funded projects in the West Bank and Gaza Strip caused by Israeli military actions was first discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the 28 January General Affairs Council. Following that meeting the EU demanded that this practice stop and reserved the right to demand compensation in the appropriate fora. That remains our position. The European Commission continues therefore to monitor and cost the damage arising from recent IDF operations.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with European and United States counterparts about the situation in Israel. [53938]
§ Mr. BradshawMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has spoken to US Secretary of State (three times since Saturday), and has had regular discussions with his European Union colleagues about the situation in Israel and the occupied territories. The middle east peace 147W process was discussed at the General Affairs Council on 15 April and at the Valencia EuroMed meeting on 23 April.