Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 December 2006.

Israel and Lebanon: Hostages

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What new initiatives they will discuss with their European Union counterparts to help the Government of Israel to secure the release of the three Israeli soldiers kidnapped prior to the outbreak of Lebanon hostilities in July.

Answer: Both the EU and we have called for the immediate release of the two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah. In the UN Secretary-General's letter of 1 December to members of the Security Council, he reconfirmed that he continues to make the unconditional release of the captured Israeli soldiers a top priority and that the facilitator he appointed to secure their release is engaged in an intensive effort with all parties to reach a resolution. These negotiations are necessarily sensitive in nature and the Secretary-General has our full support for his efforts, which are best carried out by experienced professionals under UN auspices.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 631; 687 c185WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Army EU action Hostage taking Abduction Israel Middle East Hezbollah Lebanon
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk