CAN the differences between Palestinians and Israelis ever be resolved? Members of the European Movement's Tamar branch discussed this question at a meeting in Sydenham Damerel Methodist Hall last week.

Guest speaker Sir Andrew Burns, a former British Ambassador to Israel, described the problems from both sides.

He stressed that both sides encompassed a wide variety of opinions, both moderate and extreme. In the face of their apparently irreconcilable demands, and Israel's present hard-line Government, he held out little hope of an early solution.

In the discussion that followed, members noted that the long-running dispute provoked instability and extremism in the region, encouraged the build-up of arms, including nuclear weapons, and poisoned the relations of other states, including EU members, with the countries of the region. Neither side was willing to make the necessary compromises.

After his posting to Israel, Sir Andrew became British High Commissioner in Canada. He is a former Governor of the BBC, and is the chairman of the Anglo-Israel Society. The meeting was chaired by Sir Cyril Townsend.