asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he will be making at the European Summit regarding the conduct of Israeli troops in the occupied territories.
Written Answers. - Conduct of Israeli Troops.
41.
Foreign Ministers of the Twelve meeting in the European Political Co-operation framework in Bonn on 8 February discussed thoroughly the situation in the occupied territories. They adopted a declaration reiterating the Twelve's profound concern at the deteriorating conditions in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. They expressed their conviction that the status quo in the occupied territories is not sustainable and that the only solution is by means of a comprehensive, just and lasting political settlement. They reaffirmed Twelve support for an international conference. The Foreign Ministers expressed the Twelve's determination to work towards improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of the territories and they deplored Israel's illegal settlement policy. They urged Israel to comply with recent UN Security Council resolutions and with the 1949 Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. They strongly appealed to all parties to exercise maximum restraint in order to reduce the dangerous level of tension.
A copy of the Ministerial Declaration is available in the Library.
Events in the occupied territories have been the subject of ongoing consultations among the Twelve in the European Political Co-operation framework.
On two occasions in recent weeks on 18 December 1987 and 12 January 1988, the Presidency's ambassador in Tel Aviv expressed to the Israeli authorities the concern of the Twelve at the rapidly and seriously deteriorating situation and called urgently on the Israeli authorities to ensure the immediate protection of the inhabitants of the area. The Presidency also conveyed to the Israeli Government the Twelve's deep concern at Israel's decision to pursue a policy of deportation in the occupied territories.
In view of the very recent and thorough discussion of this matter by Foreign Ministers and in the light of the declaration adopted by them on 8 February it is not expected that this matter will be discussed at the meeting of the European Council on 11-12 February.