Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 June 2005. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 June 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Weapons Testing (Syria/Iran)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of (a) the Syrian missile tests on 27th May and (b) the Iranian announcement on 31st May that it had successfully tested a solid fuel motor for the Shahab 3 missile; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Syria has said that the firing of three SCUD missiles, one of which exploded with debris landing in Syria, Turkey and the Mediterranean, was a test of its defensive weapons systems. We do not believe that this represents an attempt by Syria to develop an offensive missile capability. We are aware of reports that Iran claims to have tested a solid fuel motor for their Shahab 3 missile. Iran's ballistic missile programme remains an issue of serious concern for us and for the international community.

Secondary information