Written question asked by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 April 2005. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 April 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 progress has been made since November 2003 in improving human rights in Iran as a result of the EU-Iran Human Rights dialogue.

Answer: Mr. Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made since November 2003 in improving human rights in Iran as a result of the EU-Iran human rights dialogue. [224295] Mr. Rammell: An evaluation of the EU-Iran human rights dialogue by the EU presidency in October 2004 found that there had been little overall progress in the human rights situation in Iran since the start of the dialogue and recommended ways that the dialogue process could be made more effective. The EU is encouraging Iran to renew its commitment to the process and has proposed substantive improvements. The EU has made clear that its relations with Iran can only move forward if Iran takes action to address the EU's concerns, including in the area of human rights.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c1490W;432 c1486W; 224295
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Human rights International cooperation EU action Politics and government Iran EU external relations
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk