§ 14. Mr. Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington)What plans he has to improve relations with Iran; and if he will make a statement. [90470]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)Our policy towards Iran aims to encourage the reforms already under way in Iran while pressing for improvements in those Iranian policies that are of concern.
963 We strongly support the Iranian Government's efforts to improve relations with their neighbours, to properly enforce the rule of law, and to achieve full freedom of speech. That support was demonstrated by the successful meeting between my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and the Iranian Foreign Minister last September, followed by the exchange of ambassadors with Iran this May.
§ Mr. BrakeI thank the Minister for his statement. Is he aware that his twin-track policy towards Iran is causing concern among the Jewish community, the National Council of Resistance of Iran and other groups? They consider that a single-track policy that focuses on human rights would be more appropriate. In relation to the Jewish community, will Ministers seek assurances from the Iranian authorities that the 13 members of the Jewish community who are currently detained will have access to family visits and kosher food, will have adequate legal representation, and will have a fair and open trial?
§ Mr. HoonOur twin-track policy does focus on human rights—it is part of the twin track to ensure that where there are continuing concerns about human rights abuses in Iran, we raise those vigorously at every level with the Iranian Government. In particular, on the point about Jewish detainees, I invited the Iranian ambassador to the Foreign Office on 1 July and urged him to ensure that there would be a fair trial and access for visitors, together with legal representation. I received assurances on each of those matters. In particular, I understand that visits have now been allowed.
§ Mr. Mike Gapes (Ilford, South)Does my hon. Friend share my concern at the reported remarks by leading members of the military in Iran against the policies of the elected President, and the fact that there is clearly a danger of a serious backlash and reactionary moves away from the limited liberalisation that has taken place so far? Will he assure the House that as well as taking up the issue of minorities—including the Jewish minority—in Iran, we will not tolerate any reversion to the dreadful reactionary policies that were adopted under Khomeini?
§ Mr. HoonThat is the essence of the Government's twin-track policy—to encourage reform, and at the same time to concentrate on areas of continuing concern. If my hon. Friend is referring to recent events in Iran, I think that it is still too soon to make judgments about their outcome. It is right for the Iranian people to resolve those matters, particularly the role of the army.
§ Mr. Peter Viggers (Gosport)Is the Minister aware that a considerable number of hon. Members recently attended a briefing on Iran by the BBC? We were all impressed by the quality and breadth of that briefing. Will he join me in paying tribute to the work of the BBC external services, which probably do more than any other institution to promote knowledge and understanding, especially in countries suffering some form of internal difficulty?
§ Mr. HoonI was not aware of that particular briefing, but I happily join the hon. Gentleman in congratulating the BBC on the excellent work of its external services, which serve as a source of information for large numbers of people 964 around the world who otherwise would not have access to that information, because of the policies of their Governments.