Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 February 1997. It was answered by Jeremy Hanley (Conservative) on Monday, 10 February 1997 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: What plans Her Majesty's Government has to express concern about the death of the Reverend Mohammed Bagher Yusefi in Iran in 1996 at this year's Session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission; and what further action Her Majesty's Government will be taking to communicate concern to the Iranian government about the deaths of Iranian church leaders in the last three years.

Answer: Mr. Alton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans Her Majesty's Government have to express concern about the death of the Rev. Mohammed Bagher Yusefi in Iran in 1996 at this year's session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission; and what further action Her Majesty's Government will be taking to communicate concern to the Iranian Government about the deaths of Iranian Church leaders in the last three years. [14904] Mr. Hanley: We were deeply concerned by the death of Mr. Yusefi and have recently raised his concern with the Iranians. We take a very serious view of human rights abuses in Iran. We are still, with EU partners, preparing our position for this year's session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. We will continue to press for tough resolutions and statements on Iran through EU and UN machinery until clear evidence of improved Iranian behaviour emerges.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14904; 290 c60W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Death Equality Human rights Religion Religious freedom Religious persons Iran