HL Deb 05 June 1989 vol 508 cc587-8

2.44 p.m.

Lord Molloy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to institute sanctions against Iran, and, if so, when.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)

My Lords, we deplore Iran's continuing incitements to murder the citizens of other countries. We remain in close contact with our friends and allies about these threats, and keep all diplomatic and political responses under careful review. We call upon Iran to renounce publicly the use or threat of terrorism and violence in all forms.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, while I agree absolutely with what the Minister has just said, does he consider that the point raised in my original Question should perhaps be suspended for the time being in the hope that following the recent events in Iran there will be a dramatic change in policy which will gradually be acceptable to all?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I certainly agree with the noble Lord that we should await developments.

Lord Mellish

My Lords, is the Minister aware that some of us regard sanctions, especially against Iran, as absolutely daft and that the idea of them is impossible? In view of the death of the Ayatollah Khomeini, would it not be better to wait and see and hope and pray that the country becomes civilised?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I certainly agree with the noble Lord about the views of many on economic sanctions, which we share. I agree too that we must wait and see what happens.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, can the noble Lord confirm that since the death of the Ayatollah Khomeini it has been made clear that the threat against Mr. Salman Rushdie still stands?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I am not aware of any such assurance being given.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, does the noble Lord agree that, following the death of the Ayatollah Khomeini, what is urgently needed in Iran is a stable government which complies with the rules of international law? Will Her Majesty's Government convey this through the embassy which acts for us in Teheran, together with our good wishes to the new government, in the hope that they will make it possible for a resumption of normal diplomatic relations with us as soon as possible?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, again we have to wait and see what happens. We are ready to have normal relations providing the Iranian Government abide by international obligations in future. In particular we look to Iran to renounce publicly the use or threat of terrorism and violence.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, does the Minister agree that, if any decision, or the possibility of anything being acted upon, is always regarded as daft, it does not give much encouragement to our fellow Britons who are held in Lebanon under the control of the Iranian Government? This ought to be dramatically clear. We hope that there will be a change of policy and we shall reciprocate so far as we can.

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, yes. We have to wait to see what that change of policy is.