HL Deb 15 October 1981 vol 424 c551WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, having regard to the continuing executions of political opponents and the persecution of the people of the Baha'i faith, they will withdraw recognition of the Ayatollah's regime in Iran.

Lord Carrington

Her Majesty's Government's policy on recognition was made clear in my Written Answer of 28th April 1980. Her Majesty's Government neither recognise, nor withdraw recognition of, régimes.

We naturally hope that events in Iran will settle down without outside interference. Her Majesty's Government have been following the plight of the Bahai' community in Iran with increasing concern. We deplore the fact that the authorities in Iran have made no provision in their new constitution recognising the rights of this community, and condemn the persecution of the Baha'i community which this discrimination encourages. We are taking action at the United Nations to emphasise our deep concern.