§ 47. Mr. McWilliamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, when the Minister of State met his Syrian counterpart, he expressed the concern of Her Majesty's Government at the abrogation of human rights in that country as highlighted by the special Amnesty International report just published.
§ Mr. LuceI had wide-ranging discussions during my recent visit to Syria. We are concerned about breaches of human rights wherever they occur. We make our views176W clear to the Governments concerned whenever and wherever useful opportunities occur. These include meetings of the United Nations Human Rights Commissions at which Syria is an observer. But the details of these exchanges must remain confidential.
§ Mr. Rowlandsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, when the Minister of State meets the President or Foreign Minister of Syria, he will raise the subject of the mistreatment of Syrian Jews, who are refused permission to emigrate and subjected to restrictions limiting their freedom.
§ Mr. LuceThe Syrian Government are well aware of our concern over breaches of human rights wherever they occur and whoever they may involve. We make our views clear to Governments concerned on appropriate occasions and in appropriate forums, including the United Nations Human Rights Commission at which Syria is an observer.