§ 26. Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for regional and international security of recent Iranian tests of long-range missiles. [61405]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe were extremely concerned by Iran's flight test of its Shahab 3 ballistic missile in July. Although the system is still in its development phase, its approximate range of 1300km means that the possibility of its future deployment threatens the stability of the whole of the Middle East.
Whilst we understand Iran's legitimate security concerns, we have repeatedly urged the Iranian authorities to refrain from developing ballistic missiles. It is in nobody's interest for an arms race to develop in this already volatile region.
§ 29. Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Iran on the funding of(a) Hezbollah and (b) Hamas. [61408]
§ Mr. FatchettWe and our EU colleagues have frequently raised with the Iranians our concerns about their support for groups who use violent methods to oppose the Middle East peace process, and will continue to do so.
However, during my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister on 24 September, Dr. Kharrazi reaffirmed his Government's 159W strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms. Iran has strongly condemned terrorist attacks in Egypt and Algeria and rejected attacks upon civilians anywhere. We welcome these positive developments.