§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Prime Minister (1) what plans he has to meet the leaders of Syria and Iran; and what issues he plans to discuss; [107192]
(2) what recent discussions he has had with the US administration regarding the Government's policy towards Syria and Iran; and if he will make a statement. [107191]
§ The Prime MinisterWe have ongoing close consultations with the US Administration, including my own with President Bush, about the Middle East region as a whole, including Iran and Syria. With regard to both, the UK remains committed to a policy of constructive and, where necessary, critical engagement, which allows us to support reform while maintaining a robust dialogue on issues of concern. I have no current plans to meet either President Al-Assad or President Khatami.