Written question asked by Mark Pritchard (Conservative) on Friday, 23 January 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 January 2009. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 29 January 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Diplomatic Relations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on holding high-level direct discussions with the government of Iran.

Answer: We are fully prepared to engage Iran in direct discussions. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has met his Iranian counterpart on several occasions. These discussions allow us to make clear that we want a constructive relationship with Iran, but that this depends on its addressing issues of serious concern to the international community, including its nuclear ambitions and its failure to live up to its international human rights commitments.

Secondary information