Written question asked by Louise Ellman (Labour) on Thursday, 26 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 March 2009. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Hezbollah

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria the Government use to distinguish between Hezbollah's political and military wings.

Answer: The Government distinguish between those parts of Hezbollah which are legitimately involved in Lebanese politics and those who are actively concerned in terrorism.Since July 2008 the "military wing of Hezbollah, including the Jihad council and all units reporting to it (including the Hezbollah external security organisation)" has been proscribed as being concerned in terrorism, as set out in the Terrorism Act 2000 (Proscribed Organisations) (Amendment) (No.2) Order 2008.

Secondary information