Written question asked by Lord Turnberg (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Monday, 9 October 2006.

Israel: Syria and Iran

Question: Whether they have drawn the attention of the United Nations Security Council to the impact on the peace process in the Middle East caused by the actions of Hezbollah and Hamas with the apparent support of Syria and Iran.

Answer: We are very concerned about the role of Syria and Iran in Lebanon. Through their support for Hezbollah Iran and Syria are encouraging extremism, threatening the stability of the region, and putting peace in the Middle East further out of reach. We have called on Syria and Iran to stop their support for Hezbollah and end their interference in Lebanese internal affairs in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1680. As we said at the UN Security Council on 21 July, ““Hezbollah does not act alone. As other speakers have said, behind it, lending support and giving direction, are Syria and Iran. Syria provides material support to Hezbollah and facilitates the transfer of weapons, including thousands of missiles, which appear to be supplied by Iran to Hezbollah. Ultimately, long-term stability will be possible only if Syria and Iran end their interference in Lebanese internal affairs, in accordance with Resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006)””.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7079; 685 c61WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Terrorism Israel Iran Syria Middle East Hezbollah Peace negotiations Lebanon
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk