Iran-Iraq War

HC Deb 27 June 1984 vol 62 cc478-9W

20. Mr. Andrew MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on Government representations to the protagonists in the Gulf war.

Mr. Luce

As I said in my reply to my hon. Friend on 21 March at column457, we have repeatedly urged both Iran and Iraq to accept mediation. We lose no opportunity to make clear our hope that they will now agree to settle their dispute by peaceful means.

35. Mr. Randall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, during his forthcoming visit to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, he will raise the subject of the war between Iran and Iraq.

Mr. Luce

It is not the practice to reveal in advance the detailed agendas of ministerial meetings, but it is likely that the Iran-Iraq war will be among the issues discussed during my right hon. and learned Friend's visit to Moscow.

45. Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what diplomatic action Her Majesty's Government are taking designed to prevent any further escalation of the Gulf war; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave earlier to the hon. Member for Dunfermline, West (Mr. Douglas) and my hon. Friend the Member for Berkshire, East (Mr. MacKay).

63. Mr. Tom Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made, prior to his forthcoming visit to Moscow, of the Soviet Government's attitude in the Gulf war; and whether he will take the opportunity to seek their assistance in trying to bring an end to the continuing conflict.

Mr. Rifkind

Soviet statements on the Gulf conflict suggest that the Soviet union shares with the West an interest in helping to bring the conflict to an end and in upholding the principle of free navigation. My right hon. and learned Friend expects to discuss the Gulf, among other international issues, during his visit to Moscow. While we do not expect to agree with the Russians on all aspects of the problem, my right hon. and learned Friend will put forward our view that diplomatic efforts are the right way to try and resolve this serious conflict.