Written question asked by Cyril Townsend (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 February 1997. It was answered by Jeremy Hanley (Conservative) on Monday, 17 February 1997 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: What assessment he has made of the compliance of the Israeli authorities with the EU's Dublin declaration relating to the immediate lifting of the blockade in Palestine.

Answer: Sir Cyril Townsend: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the compliance of the Israeli authorities with the EU's Dublin declaration relating to the immediate lifting of the blockade in Palestine. [16123] Mr. Hanley: There has been some increase in the number of permits available for Palestinians to work in Israel. We will continue to press for freer passage for Palestinian goods. We welcome the parties' renewed commitment to tackle outstanding issues from the interim agreement, such as the opening of Gaza airport and the construction of Gaza port. With our full backing, the EU special envoy to the peace process has begun a constructive dialogue with both sides on how to remove the remaining problems.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16123; 290 c407W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: EU external trade Trade agreements Trade barriers Israel Palestine Peace negotiations Work permits