§ 11. Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances of the prospect of a peaceful settlement of the Iran-Iraq war were given to him by the Iraqi Foreign Minister during his visit.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister gave clear assurances during his discussions in London with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and myself that Iraq was seeking a peaceful settlement of the conflict and remained ready to negotiate with Iran.
§ Dr. McDonaldDid the right hon. and learned Gentleman take the opportunity of those discussions to raise two issues with the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister: first, the fact that Iraq will no longer be a safe haven for terrorists such as Abu Nidal; and, secondly, the question of the continued oppression and torture by Iraq of its citizens?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweIn the course of the meetings that the Iraqi Foreign Minister had in this country, the first issue was certainly raised, both specifically and generally. In addition, I assure the hon. Lady that the Government are always concerned about violations of human rights and that the Iraqi Government are fully aware of our close concern with that matter. That was reaffirmed during the visit of Mr. Tariq Aziz to this country.
§ Mr. Temple-MorrisDoes my right hon. and learned Friend agree that an end to this detestable war depends far more on Iran than it does on Iraq? Will he explain how he can justify his sanction of the export of Chieftain tank engines for use by the armed services of Iran in this war?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI assure my hon. Friend that the Government are conscious of the need to maintain our policy of supplying to neither side any defence equipment that would significantly enhance the capability of either 297 side to prolong or exacerbate the conflict. Very little equipment of any sort—except some vehicle spares that were supplied under an old pre-revolutionary contract—has been sold recently to Iran.