Written question asked by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Thursday, 22 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 April 2001. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 April 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the EU Commissioner's meetings with Chairman Arafat with particular reference to (a) violence and (b) corruption.

Answer: Mr. Gareth R. Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the EU Commissioner's meetings with Chairman Arafat with particular reference to (a) violence and (b) corruption. [155758] Mr. Wilson: The EU Troika of Anna Lindh, the Swedish Foreign Minister, Commissioner Patten and Miguel Moratinos (the EU's Special Envoy to the MEPP) visited Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Egypt on 12 and 13 March. They met with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon, Israeli Foreign Minister Peres, President Arafat, Egyptian President Mabarak and Egyptian Foreign Minister Moussa. The visit went well. The Troika delivered strong messages to the Israelis and the Palestinians, including on the need to end the violence. The Troika urged the Israelis to end the economic siege of the Palestinians and resume the transfer of customs revenues due to the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinians have, since the visit, written to Commissioner Patten accepting the EU requests that they work up an austerity budget and improve the transparency and accountability of their financial management.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 155758; 366 c131W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Corruption EU action Violence Israel Palestine Middle East Peace negotiations EU external relations
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk