§ 16. Mr. BellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on current British-Syrian relations.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggRelations have been consolidated since the resumption of diplomatic ties last November. In that time I have visited Damascus twice—most recently this month—and the Syrian Foreign Minister has visited494W London. These contacts were useful. The Syrians were members of the coalition against Iraq. They have a major role in the peace process, in Gulf security and in Lebanon. They are also seeking to help over British hostages in Lebanon.