YASSER ARAFAT AND THE PEACE PROCESS

Early day motion 1920, tabled 11 November 2004 by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 25 members.

That this House regrets the passing of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who led his people's struggle for 40 years; recalls the historic steps towards peace taken by Yasser Arafat during the Oslo peace process; hopes that both sides can re-establish the spirit of co-operation which led to the signing of the Oslo accords; commends the work of Dr Hanan Ashrawi and believes that Israeli and Palestinian women should be afforded a greater role in the peace process; further notes that resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict should be a priority for the international community and recalls the role of the international community in the reconstruction and development of Israel and Palestine; believes that the key to peace in the Middle East is dialogue rather than violence; calls on the UK Government to facilitate that dialogue by convening an international conference; and offers its hopes that both sides will achieve a just and lasting peace.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, Liberal Democrat 9, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3.