Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 January 2000. It was answered by Tony Blair (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 January 2000 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Prime Minister, if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister. - (Holding answer 17 January 2000).

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister. [105340] The Prime Minister: [holding answer 17 January 2000]: I welcomed Dr. Kharrazi as the first Iranian Minister to visit the United Kingdom since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. I stressed the importance we attach to continuing the development of the relationship between the UK and Iran, as a major country in an area of strategic importance to the UK. Dr. Kharrazi and I agreed that relations between the UK and Iran should be based on co-operation and mutual trust. There of course remain areas of concern for both sides. I raised with Dr. Kharrazi the continued detention of 13 members of the Jewish community in Iran. Dr. Kharrazi assured me that those detained would receive a fair and open trial, including access to visitors and legal representation. I also mentioned our concern that Iranian commitments on Salman Rushdie's safety should be upheld.

Secondary information