HC Deb 03 December 1986 vol 106 cc645-6W
19. Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's current relations with Syria.

Mr. Renton

Following the break in diplomatic relations with Syria on 24 October, a small British interests section remains in Damascus as part of the embassy of Australia, which has agreed to protect British interests in Syria.

68. Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to discuss relations with Syria with the Government of France.

Mr. Renton

The French Foreign Minister and my right hon. and learned Friend discussed Syria at the Anglo French summit on 21 November. We are in regular contact and will continue to exchange views on Syria as necessary.

80. Mr. Robert B. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of EEC measures against Syria.

Mr. Renton

The measures agreed on 10 November reaffirmed the resolve of the Twelve to curb terrorism in all its forms and to send a clear message to Syria that its involvement in the Hindawi affair was absolutely unacceptable.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the reaction of the Soviet authorities to evidence from Her Majesty's Government that the Syrian Government are involved in terrorism; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton

The Soviet authorities have questioned the weight of our conclusive evidence of Syrian official involvement in the Hindawi affairs which my right hon. and learned Friend discussed with Mr. Shevardnadze on 4 November. We have provided a detailed account of this to the Soviet authorities and hope that on reflection they will accept the force of our case.

Mr. Coleman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances Her Majesty's Government have received from their Common Market counterparts regarding their policy towards putting pressure on Syria to obtain the release of hostages in the Lebanon.

Mr. Renton

We have not sought the assurances described by the hon. Member. We are in close touch with our partners in the Twelve, especially those whose nationals are among those missing in Lebanon, and continue to do all we can to obtain news of the hostages.