§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, as part of the human rights assessment they have asked diplomatic posts to undertake, there has been any evaluation of the strength of the clerical opposition to the velayat-e-faqih in Iran, and of the power of President Khatami to implement any changes which are not approved by Ayatollah Khamanei. [HL201]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe are following events in Iran with interest. We hope that the situation will evolve in such a way as to meet our often expressed concerns.