§ 7. Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise in the United Nations the matter of the Iraq-Iran war as a threat to world peace.
§ Mr. HurdWe have actively supported attempts by the United Nations Secretary General to secure an end to this 509W war. The efforts of the Secretary General's special representative, Mr. Palme, depend on the co-operation of both combatants. We shall continue to support his efforts and those of others, including the Algerian Government, who are trying to achieve a just and honourable settlement.
§ 27. Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will seek to launch an initiative, in conjunction with other member States of the European Community, to resolve the 20-month-old war between Iraq and Iran.
§ Mr. HurdThe communiqué issued following the meeting of the European Council on 28 and 29 June expressed the Ten's grave concern at the continuation of the damaging war between Iran and Iraq, and appealed for an early end to the conflict. We and our Community partners voted in favour of the United Nations General Assembly resolution 1703 which called for an immediate ceasefire. We do not see any direct mediating role for the West to play, but we shall continue to support all efforts to achieve a settlement acceptable to both sides.