§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Iran about human rights in that country.
§ Mr. RentonWe continue to take all suitable opportunities to raise human rights matters with the Government of Iran. We co-sponsored the resolution on violations of human rights in Iran adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 13 December, which called for the Government of Iran to respect and ensure to all individuals within its territory the rights enshrined in the international covenant on civil and political rights, to which Iran is a party.
§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations with Iran and on the main factors which influence them.
§ Mr. RentonWe maintain diplomatic relations with Iran. Since the Iranian revolution in 1979 we have worked towards achieving a dialogue on issues of bilateral and international concern. These issues include the need for an urgent settlement to the Iran-Iraq conflict, and a bettering of human rights in Iran.