§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department made to the Government of Israel following the shooting of UNRWA worker Ian Hook; and what response has been made to those representations. [107486]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe have made our concerns clear at the highest levels. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to the then Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Netanyahu, on 22 November 2002. Mr. Netanyahu promised an immediate investigation and gave an undertaking to share the results as soon as he had them. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary followed up with Mr. Netanyahu on 20 December 2002. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister raised the matter with Prime Minister Sharon on 29 November 2002. I have also raised it on a number of occasions with the Israeli Ambassador, Mr. Shtauber.
There has also been frequent contact between our embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli authorities and between senior officials in London and the Israeli embassy. The Israelis have assured us that the investigation would be rigorous and comprehensive.
We are in touch with the Hook family who are considering next steps.
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§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has been given by the Government of Israel concerning the results of inquiries undertaken into the circumstances of the death of Ian Hook. [107487]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Israelis have reported privately to Mr. Hook's family on the findings of their investigation. We are in touch with the Hook family, who are considering next steps.