Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 January 2000. It was answered by Tony Blair (Labour) on Monday, 24 January 2000 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his Answer of 18th January, 342 c416-17W on the Iranian Foreign Minister, if he will define the countries in the area of strategic in importance to the United Kingdom mentioned in his answer.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 18 January, Official Report, columns 416-17W on the Iranian Foreign Minister, if he will define the countries in the area of strategic importance to the United Kingdom mentioned in his answer. [106568] The Prime Minister: Iran and her neighbouring countries represent an area of strategic importance to the United Kingdom for a number of reasons. Among these are the region's history of political instability and conflict, the importance of the region for world energy resources, and its position across important global communications routes. Iran also straddles the major route by which heroin reaches the United Kingdom from Afghanistan.

Secondary information