Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 March 2005. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 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, what discussions he has had with the Lebanese authorities on the planned withdrawal of Syrian forces; and what discussions he has had with representatives of the Maronite Christian community.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Lebanese authorities on the planned withdrawal of Syrian forces; and what discussions he has had with representatives of the Maronite Christian community. [222954] Mr. Mullin: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had no discussions with the Lebanese authorities about the withdrawal of Syrian forces, or with the representatives of the Maronite Christian community. During her visit to Lebanon last month, my right hon. and noble Friend, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean discussed the political situation in Lebanon with Lebanese Foreign Minister Hammoud. Our embassy in Beirut has regular contact with representatives from across the Lebanese political spectrum, including the Maronite Christian community.

Secondary information