PROSPECTIVE candidates for the European parliament will be quizzed over the prospects for peace in the Middle East later this week.

Durham County Palestine Solidarity Campaign has invited candidates from the leading parties for June's Euro elections to take part in a Question Time-style event.

Speakers confirmed so far are Liberal-Democrat Fiona Hall, Labour's Stephen Hughes and Pam Woolner, of the Green Party.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the question and answer session in Durham, on Friday.

Campaign group chair Thea Khamis said: "Resolution of the crisis in Isreal/Palestine is vital to world peace and an end to terrorism.

"There's a real danger of worsening violence and increasing suffering for civilians on both sides."

She said the group was concerned at US president George Bush's views on the acceptability of some Israeli settlements in the Palestinian West Bank territory, as well as the rejection of Palestinian refugees' right of return to their homeland.

She fears that last week's presidential declaration provide was another potential obstacle to peace in the region.

"The European Union is a member of the quartet which promoted the Road Map to a peaceful two state solution," said Ms Khamis.

"We want to ask what further role the EU can play in bringing peace to the Middle East and tackling the causes of terrorism.

"We feel this is a key issue for debate on the run up to the European elections, to be held on June 10."

The event, at the Town Hall, in Durham Market Place, begins at 7.30pm.

There is no charge and everyone attending is welcome to put forward questions.