STATEMENT BY MR ARIEL SHARON ON MR YASSER ARAFAT

Early day motion 1045, tabled 26 April 2004 by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 57 members.

That this House notes Mr Ariel Sharon's statement on 23rd April that he has released himself from his pledge to President George Bush not to harm Mr Yasser Arafat physically; requests that the UK Government calls in the Israeli Ambassador to set out the reasons why the UK is opposed to targeted assassinations and the consequences for Israel if Mr Arafat is targeted by the Israelis; condemns all terrorist activities and other attacks on civilians in Israel and the Occupied Territories and calls for an immediate ceasefire; and urges the Prime Minister to build on the key role the UK is already playing on the ground in Israel and the Occupied Territories and to help facilitate the dialogue that will lead to a secure, viable and independent Palestinian state and peace and security for the state of Israel in the region.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 19, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 2.