Written question asked by Andrew Love (Labour) on Thursday, 17 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 September 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 September 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions have been held with the Government of Syria regarding their involvement in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Government of Syria regarding their involvement in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement. [127812] Mr. Rammell: We have a dialogue with Syria on a wide range of issues, Lebanon included. The relationship between the two countries is close. While Syria has a degree of influence in Lebanon, its presence has the support of the Lebanese government and is arguably legitimate under agreements made at the end of the civil war. But we welcome the decrease in Syrian troop numbers and urge Syria to reduce numbers yet further.

Secondary information