INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION DELEGATION FROM PALESTINE

Early day motion 1238, tabled 19 May 2004 by John Austin (Labour). Signed by 69 members.

That this House welcomes the visit to Westminster by a delegation from the Palestine Legislative Council led by the Speaker, Mr Rawhi Fattouh; welcomes the delegation's commitment to the democratic process and to internal reform; notes their commitment to the Road Map and their desire for negotiations with Israel; further notes their wishes for early municipal and parliamentary elections; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to bring pressure to bear on Israel to allow such elections to take place freely and fairly and without fear; learned with horror the news that Israeli forces had fired missiles on civilians peacefully demonstrating and trying to deliver food to the homeless in Rafah following the destruction of Palestinian homes by the Israeli occupying forces; and sends its deepest condolences to Mr Fattouh, who represents Rafah in the legislative council, and to the people of Palestine.

Signatures by party: Labour 48, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 4, Conservative 1, Independent 1.