§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make representations to the Government of Iran concerning their support for groups opposed to the Middle East peace process; [106541]
(2) if he will make representations to the Foreign Minister of Iran concerning Iran's supervision of training for Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon. [106542]
§ Mr. HainIranian opposition to the Middle East peace process and support for groups that oppose the peace process featured prominently in the discussions between my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and his Iranian counterpart during the latter's visit from 10–12 January. The Iranian authorities are fully aware of the importance that we and our EU partners attach to the Middle East peace process.
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the comments in Amnesty International's 1999 Annual report on violations of basic human rights in Iran. [106543]
§ Mr. HainWe welcome Amnesty International's latest report covering the human rights situation in Iran in 1998. Given Iran's continued failure to invite the United Nations
166Wof money realised; if he will estimate the total amount raised from such sales to date; and if he will make a statement. [104488]
§ Mr. HainSince 16 February 1999 the FCO has sold 23 estate assets and 141 vehicles. Details are as listed. Total proceeds to date from completed sales amount to £29 million. Property sales are expected to realise a further £12 million in 1999–2000. Figures for this financial year are estimates.
Commission for Human Rights Special Representative, Maurice Copithorne, to visit, Amnesty's reports represent an important source of information on human rights issues in Iran.