Written question asked by David Cairns (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 December 2004. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 December 2004 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 recent discussions he has had with the Government of Iran regarding Hamas and Hezbollah. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: David Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Iran regarding Hamas and Hezbollah. [204246] Mr. Straw: Yesterday, together with my French and German colleagues and Javier Solana, we met Dr. Hassan Rouhani, Secretary General of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, as the first step towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement on nuclear issues. At a separate bilateral meeting I raised with Dr. Rouhani our concern about support for Hamas and Hizboullah. We are seriously concerned at the material and political support which groups undermining peace in the Middle East through violence draw from inside Iran. The EU has made clear that its relations with Iran can move forward only if Iran takes action to address the EU's political concerns, including Iran's approach to the Middle East Peace Process and terrorism.

Secondary information