Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Monday, 28 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 March 2005. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Friday, 4 March 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Written Answer of 23 February 2005 431 c621W, on Iran, and the Oral Answer of 9 February 2005 to the honourable Member for Islington North, 430 c1496, what the E3 have agreed with Iran following the (a) working groups on political/security issues meeting in Geneva on 9th to 11th February and (b) working group on technology co-operation meeting on 8th February. - (Holding answer 3 March 2005).

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the written answer of 23 February 2005, Official Report, column 621W, on Iran, and the oral answer to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) of 9 February 2005, Official Report, column 1496, what the E3 have agreed with Iran following the (a) working groups on political/security issues meeting in Geneva on 9 to 11 February and (b) working group on technology co-operation meeting on 8 February. [219564] Mr. Alexander :[holding answer 3 March 2005]: These working groups, and one on nuclear issues, were set up under the agreement between Iran and the UK, France and Germany on 15 November 2004. Their aim is to agree long- term arrangements for Iran's nuclear programme based on objective guarantees that the programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes; and they provide for co-operation in other areas. The groups meet every three or four weeks in Geneva. The group on political and security issues has discussed, for example, export controls, counter-narcotics co-operation and other subjects of mutual interest. The working group on technology and co-operation is looking at issues in a range of economic sectors. But in view of the need to build mutual confidence and trust, the two sides have agreed not to disclose details of the discussions, which are continuing.

Secondary information