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2005
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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in negotiations with (a) Algeria, (b) Egypt, (c) Tunisia, (d) Morocco, (e) Libya, (f) Pakistan, (g) Sri Lanka and (h) India, regarding deportation and exclusion powers relating to those suspected of terrorism.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in negotiations with (a) Algeria, (b) Egypt, (c) Tunisia, (d) Morocco, (e) Libya, (f) Pakistan, (g) Sri Lanka and (h) India, regarding deportation and exclusion powers relating to those suspected of terrorism.
Asked by
Madeleine Moon
(Labour)
Answered by
Tony McNulty
(Labour)
Answering body
Home Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 November 2005
For answer on
21 November 2005
Answered on
30 November 2005
We have signed Memoranda of Understanding with Jordan and with Libya regulating the provision of assurances in respect of people who are being deported.We have said that we are in negotiations with the governments of Algeria and the Lebanon. Those negotiations are continuing, and we hope to conclude them shortly.It would be premature to comment on the state of any other negotiations or to identify the country or countries involved.The power to exclude relates solely to cases where the person concerned is outside the United Kingdom. It is a unilateral decision, and we have not had any negotiations with other countries regarding the use of this power.
Subjects
Deportation; Terrorism; Treaties; Libya; Lebanon; Jordan; Algeria
Date
30 November 2005
Reference
440 c601-3W;440 c601-2W; 31046
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of compliance by Syria with United Nations Security Council Resolutions (a) 1559 and (b) 1595.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of compliance by Syria with United Nations Security Council Resolutions (a) 1559 and (b) 1595.
Asked by
Jim Cunningham
(Labour)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
23 November 2005
For answer on
30 November 2005
Answered on
30 November 2005
Syria completed the withdrawal of its troops from Lebanon on 26 April 2005, in compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1559. A United Nations (UN) verification team concluded that there are no Syrian military forces and is no visible or significant Syrian intelligence presence or activity in Lebanon, although the possibility remains of an ongoing influence of Syrian intelligence in Lebanon.We are concerned by the reference in Special Envoy Larsen's report on 25 October 2005 of the illegal transfer of arms and people across the Syrian-Lebanese border. We urge Syria to refrain from interfering in Lebanese affairs and to work with Lebanon to ensure the full implementation of UNSCR 1559.Syria's lack of substantive co-operation has hindered the UN International Independent Investigation Commission mandated by UNSCR 1595. As a result, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted UNSCR 1636, which requires Syria to improve its co-operation and allows for sanctions against those individuals accused by the ongoing investigation. We note the UN announcement on 25 November that agreement has been reached between Mr. Mehlis and the Syrian Government over the venue for the questioning of five Syrian interviewees. UNSCR 1636 requests Mr. Mehlis to report on progress to the UN Security Council by 15 December 2005.
Subjects
UN resolutions; Syria; Lebanon
Date
30 November 2005
Reference
440 c646W;440 c646W; 32737
House
House of Commons
A General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) was held on 7 November in Brussels. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Jack Straw) and the Minister for Europe (Douglas Alexander) chaired the council as presidency. The Minister for Europe also represented the UK on certain agenda items. The agenda...
A General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) was held on 7 November in Brussels. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Jack Straw) and the Minister for Europe (Douglas Alexander) chaired the council as presidency. The Minister for Europe also represented the UK on certain agenda items. The agenda...
Member
Lord Triesman
(Labour)
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Human rights; Iraq; EU action; EU budget; Peacekeeping operations; United Nations; Trade agreements; UN resolutions; Israel; Kosovo; European Council; Palestine; Iran; Syria; World Trade Organization; Peace negotiations; EU external relations; Lebanon; Colombia; Cuba; Avian influenza; Belarus; Hampton Court; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council
Date
14 November 2005
Reference
675 c75-8WS
House
House of Lords
A General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) was held on 7 November in Brussels. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Jack Straw) and I chaired the Council as Presidency. I also represented the UK on certain agenda items. The agenda items were covered as follows: Report on...
A General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) was held on 7 November in Brussels. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Jack Straw) and I chaired the Council as Presidency. I also represented the UK on certain agenda items. The agenda items were covered as follows: Report on...
Member
Douglas Alexander
(Labour)
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Human rights; Iraq; EU action; EU budget; Peacekeeping operations; United Nations; Trade agreements; UN resolutions; Israel; Kosovo; European Council; Palestine; Iran; Syria; World Trade Organization; Peace negotiations; EU external relations; Lebanon; Colombia; Cuba; Avian influenza; Belarus; Hampton Court; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council
Date
11 November 2005
Reference
439 c36-8WS
House
House of Commons
With the support of Her Majesty's Government, the United Nations Security Council on 31 October 2005 adopted UNSCR 1636 (2005) which calls on Syria to comply with the UN International Independent Investigation Commission inquiry into events surrounding the assassination of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafiq Hariri. UNSCR 1636...
With the support of Her Majesty's Government, the United Nations Security Council on 31 October 2005 adopted UNSCR 1636 (2005) which calls on Syria to comply with the UN International Independent Investigation Commission inquiry into events surrounding the assassination of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafiq Hariri. UNSCR 1636...
Member
Lord Triesman
(Labour)
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Inquiries; United Nations; Travel restrictions; Sequestration of assets; UN resolutions; Sanctions; Syria; Lebanon; Assassination; Former prime ministers; Hariri, Rafik
Date
8 November 2005
Reference
675 c55-6WS
House
House of Lords
With the support of Her Majesty's Government, the United Nations Security Council on 31 October 2005 adopted UNSCR 1636 (2005) which calls on Syria to comply with the UN International Independent Investigation Commission inquiry into events surrounding the assassination of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafiq Hariri. UNSCR 1636...
With the support of Her Majesty's Government, the United Nations Security Council on 31 October 2005 adopted UNSCR 1636 (2005) which calls on Syria to comply with the UN International Independent Investigation Commission inquiry into events surrounding the assassination of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon, Rafiq Hariri. UNSCR 1636...
Member
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Inquiries; United Nations; Travel restrictions; Sequestration of assets; UN resolutions; Sanctions; Syria; Lebanon; Assassination; Former prime ministers; Hariri, Rafik
Date
8 November 2005
Reference
439 c9-10WS
House
House of Commons
The UK was co-sponsor of UN Security Council resolution 1636, which was passed unanimously at a ministerial meeting of the Security Council yesterday. The resolution sets out the Security Council's profound concerns about Syria's behaviour towards the UN investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. It places clear obligations on Syria in respect of co-operation with the UN investigation and of non-interference by Syria in Lebanese domestic affairs. The resolution also makes it clear that the Security Council will consider further action if co-operation by Syria is not forthcoming.
The UK was co-sponsor of UN Security Council resolution 1636, which was passed unanimously at a ministerial meeting of the Security Council yesterday. The resolution sets out the Security Council's profound concerns about Syria's behaviour towards the UN investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. It places clear obligations on Syria in respect of co-operation with the UN investigation and of non-interference by Syria in Lebanese domestic affairs. The resolution also makes it clear that the Security Council will consider further action if co-operation by Syria is not forthcoming.
Answered by
Jack Straw
(Labour)
Asked by
Danny Alexander
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
What action the Government are
taking following the report of the UN inquiry into the death of the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
Subjects
Inquiries; Foreign relations; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Syria; Lebanon; Assassination; Hariri, Rafik
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c715-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Sadly, from what the Foreign Secretary has just said, it is clear that the Syrians have a track record of refusing to comply either with bilateral or international pressure. It is obvious that the Syrians are not going to co-operate fully with the United Nations. Can the Foreign Secretary say why sanctions were not included in the most recent resolution, given that the Syrians appear only to move, very slightly, when they face the direct threat of action. Merely warning them again and again does not seem to produce any result whatsoever.
Sadly, from what the Foreign Secretary has just said, it is clear that the Syrians have a track record of refusing to comply either with bilateral or international pressure. It is obvious that the Syrians are not going to co-operate fully with the United Nations. Can the Foreign Secretary say why sanctions were not included in the most recent resolution, given that the Syrians appear only to move, very slightly, when they face the direct threat of action. Merely warning them again and again does not seem to produce any result whatsoever.
Asked by
Keith Simpson
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
1 November 2005
I understand the hon. Gentleman's scepticism about Syrian intentions. I do not think that it is to be taken for granted that Syria will not co-operate. The Syrians were profoundly shocked, I think, by the anger, and the unanimity of that anger, in the Security Council yesterday.
On sanctions, resolutions inevitably depend on our gaining consensus so that the terms cannot be vetoed. What we were seeking, provided the terms were not watered down too much, was unanimity, so that Syria got a tough message from across the international community. Immediate sanctions were never in any of the drafts that the United Kingdom put forward, and I should be happy to share some of the earlier language with the hon. Gentleman if he is interested. There is, however, a clear undertaking to consider further action—in other words, sanctions—if Syria does not now co-operate, as it has not co-operated in the past.
Subjects
Foreign relations; Syria; Hariri, Rafik; Inquiries; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Lebanon; Assassination
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c717-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I am grateful for that reply. The UN resolution is welcome confirmation of the will of the international community to identify, and take action against, those who are responsible for that appalling act. However, if the final report proves Syrian involvement beyond doubt, will the Foreign Secretary set out the measures that the Government would be prepared to take to act against those who are responsible?
I am grateful for that reply. The UN resolution is welcome confirmation of the will of the international community to identify, and take action against, those who are responsible for that appalling act. However, if the final report proves Syrian involvement beyond doubt, will the Foreign Secretary set out the measures that the Government would be prepared to take to act against those who are responsible?
Asked by
Danny Alexander
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
1 November 2005
First, I hope very much that the Syrian Government change their ways and co-operate with Detlev Mehlis, the UN prosecutor. As was made clear in the Security Council, the history has been one of co-operation on form, at best, and not on substance. Prosecutor Mehlis' interim report is a chilling catalogue of evasion and half-truths by the Syrian Government. I hope that they get the message: if they do not, the Security Council will take account of operational paragraph 13, which states that a further report would be compiled and that, if necessary, a further meeting would be held to consider further action. It is likely that that further action would be as set out in article 41 of the UN Charter, which includes provision for non-military sanctions.
Subjects
Inquiries; Foreign relations; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Syria; Lebanon; Assassination; Hariri, Rafik
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c716
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The Foreign Secretary must regret many of the meetings that he has had with leaders in certain countries around the world.
The Foreign Secretary must surely draw the conclusion that Syria is continuing its reputation for undermining neighbouring countries. What is actually happening between Syria and Iraq? What Syrian insurgency is going on in Iraq? What was the full meaning of the American military operation that took place two days ago on the western border of Iraq, which appears to have been a message to the Syrians?
The Foreign Secretary must regret many of the meetings that he has had with leaders in certain countries around the world.
The Foreign Secretary must surely draw the conclusion that Syria is continuing its reputation for undermining neighbouring countries. What is actually happening between Syria and Iraq? What Syrian insurgency is going on in Iraq? What was the full meaning of the American military operation that took place two days ago on the western border of Iraq, which appears to have been a message to the Syrians?
Asked by
Ian Taylor
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
1 November 2005
On the latter point, I shall have to write to the hon. Gentleman and place a copy in the Library, because I do not have full details.
On the involvement of Syria in interference in neighbouring countries, the Quartet issued a strong statement last Friday calling on Syria to stop allowing Islamic Jihad and other rejectionist terrorist groups to operate from within Syria. Syria has been denying that that is the case for some years, but everybody in the region knows that it is. The patience of the international community is running out in that respect.
As to Syria's involvement in terrorism in Iraq, we have sent strong, clear messages to the Government of Syria that they must secure their borders and must, for example, introduce a visa regime to Damascus airport so that those who travel by air, if you please, in order to become insurgents or, worse, suicide bombers can be stopped. The Syrian Government said two days ago, at long last, that they intend to introduce such a visa regime. If that is so, it is progress, but only small progress. What Syria must now understand, in the face of unanimous condemnation by the international community, is that its old ways, under both father and son, have to change, and to change both in terms of Syria's own peace and security and for the future of its people.
Subjects
Foreign relations; Syria; Hariri, Rafik; Inquiries; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Lebanon; Assassination
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c717
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
First, I hope very much that the Syrian Government change their ways and co-operate with Detlev Mehlis, the UN prosecutor. As was made clear in the Security Council, the history has been one of co-operation on form, at best, and not on substance. Prosecutor Mehlis' interim report is a chilling catalogue of evasion and half-truths by the Syrian Government. I hope that they get the message: if they do not, the Security Council will take account of operational paragraph 13, which states that a further report would be compiled and that, if necessary, a further meeting would be held to consider further action. It is likely that that further action would be as set out in article 41 of the UN Charter, which includes provision for non-military sanctions.
First, I hope very much that the Syrian Government change their ways and co-operate with Detlev Mehlis, the UN prosecutor. As was made clear in the Security Council, the history has been one of co-operation on form, at best, and not on substance. Prosecutor Mehlis' interim report is a chilling catalogue of evasion and half-truths by the Syrian Government. I hope that they get the message: if they do not, the Security Council will take account of operational paragraph 13, which states that a further report would be compiled and that, if necessary, a further meeting would be held to consider further action. It is likely that that further action would be as set out in article 41 of the UN Charter, which includes provision for non-military sanctions.
Answered by
Jack Straw
(Labour)
Asked by
Danny Alexander
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
I am grateful for that reply. The UN resolution is welcome confirmation of the will of the international community to identify, and take action against, those who are responsible for that appalling act. However, if the final report proves Syrian involvement beyond doubt, will the Foreign Secretary set out the measures that the Government would be prepared to take to act against those who are responsible?
Subjects
Inquiries; Foreign relations; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Syria; Lebanon; Assassination; Hariri, Rafik
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c716
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Does the Foreign Secretary recall that the Prime Minister entertained Syria's President Bashir al-Assad to tea in Downing street in December 2002? Does he regret that, on the same day, the Prime Minister wrote in the Financial Times that the president was determined to bring about ““real change”” in Syria, and that there were ““encouraging signs””? Does he recall that, at the time, Syrian military forces were occupying the Lebanon, and that Damascus was playing host to the headquarters of Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah? Does the Foreign Secretary now regret coddling that dictator when he was planning mayhem across the middle east, and will he commit himself to supporting the democratic forces that want to bring about change in Syria, instead of remaining mealy mouthed on the issue?
Does the Foreign Secretary recall that the Prime Minister entertained Syria's President Bashir al-Assad to tea in Downing street in December 2002? Does he regret that, on the same day, the Prime Minister wrote in the Financial Times that the president was determined to bring about ““real change”” in Syria, and that there were ““encouraging signs””? Does he recall that, at the time, Syrian military forces were occupying the Lebanon, and that Damascus was playing host to the headquarters of Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah? Does the Foreign Secretary now regret coddling that dictator when he was planning mayhem across the middle east, and will he commit himself to supporting the democratic forces that want to bring about change in Syria, instead of remaining mealy mouthed on the issue?
Asked by
Lord Gove
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
1 November 2005
I think that I do recall the tea; I have a feeling I was there.
As to the rightness of our Prime Minister's inviting the President of Syria to the United Kingdom, I say this: it was the correct thing to do, and I have no regrets about that decision. It was right to invite him to see whether it was possible to persuade what was then a relatively new regime to change its ways. If we had not sought to co-operate or to put out a hand of friendship to the new regime, it would, on that regime's subsequent behaviour, have been far more difficult to get the consensus that we were able to achieve in the Security Council yesterday.
As to our being mealy mouthed, I suggest that the hon. Gentleman reads resolution 1636. He will see that its terms are anything but mealy mouthed and impose severe obligations on the Government of Syria in respect of the investigation into the assassination of Rafiq Hariri. It spells out, too, the consequences that will follow if they fail to co-operate.
Subjects
Foreign relations; Syria; Hariri, Rafik; Inquiries; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Lebanon; Assassination
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c716-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What action the Government are
taking following the report of the UN inquiry into the death of the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
What action the Government are
taking following the report of the UN inquiry into the death of the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
Asked by
Danny Alexander
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Jack Straw
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 October 2005
For answer on
1 November 2005
Answered on
1 November 2005
The UK was co-sponsor of UN Security Council resolution 1636, which was passed unanimously at a ministerial meeting of the Security Council yesterday. The resolution sets out the Security Council's profound concerns about Syria's behaviour towards the UN investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. It places clear obligations on Syria in respect of co-operation with the UN investigation and of non-interference by Syria in Lebanese domestic affairs. The resolution also makes it clear that the Security Council will consider further action if co-operation by Syria is not forthcoming.
Subjects
Inquiries; Foreign relations; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Syria; Lebanon; Assassination; Hariri, Rafik
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c715-6; 23247
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
On the latter point, I shall have to write to the hon. Gentleman and place a copy in the Library, because I do not have full details.
On the involvement of Syria in interference in neighbouring countries, the Quartet issued a strong statement last Friday calling on Syria to stop allowing Islamic Jihad and other rejectionist terrorist groups to operate from within Syria. Syria has been denying that that is the case for some years, but everybody in the region knows that it is. The patience of the international community is running out in that respect.
As to Syria's involvement in terrorism in Iraq, we have sent strong, clear messages to the Government of Syria that they must secure their borders and must, for example, introduce a visa regime to Damascus airport so that those who travel by air, if you please, in order to become insurgents or, worse, suicide bombers can be stopped. The Syrian Government said two days ago, at long last, that they intend to introduce such a visa regime. If that is so, it is progress, but only small progress. What Syria must now understand, in the face of unanimous condemnation by the international community, is that its old ways, under both father and son, have to change, and to change both in terms of Syria's own peace and security and for the future of its people.
On the latter point, I shall have to write to the hon. Gentleman and place a copy in the Library, because I do not have full details.
On the involvement of Syria in interference in neighbouring countries, the Quartet issued a strong statement last Friday calling on Syria to stop allowing Islamic Jihad and other rejectionist terrorist groups to operate from within Syria. Syria has been denying that that is the case for some years, but everybody in the region knows that it is. The patience of the international community is running out in that respect.
As to Syria's involvement in terrorism in Iraq, we have sent strong, clear messages to the Government of Syria that they must secure their borders and must, for example, introduce a visa regime to Damascus airport so that those who travel by air, if you please, in order to become insurgents or, worse, suicide bombers can be stopped. The Syrian Government said two days ago, at long last, that they intend to introduce such a visa regime. If that is so, it is progress, but only small progress. What Syria must now understand, in the face of unanimous condemnation by the international community, is that its old ways, under both father and son, have to change, and to change both in terms of Syria's own peace and security and for the future of its people.
Answered by
Jack Straw
(Labour)
Asked by
Ian Taylor
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
The Foreign Secretary must regret many of the meetings that he has had with leaders in certain countries around the world.
The Foreign Secretary must surely draw the conclusion that Syria is continuing its reputation for undermining neighbouring countries. What is actually happening between Syria and Iraq? What Syrian insurgency is going on in Iraq? What was the full meaning of the American military operation that took place two days ago on the western border of Iraq, which appears to have been a message to the Syrians?
Subjects
Inquiries; Foreign relations; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Syria; Lebanon; Assassination; Hariri, Rafik
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c717
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I understand the hon. Gentleman's scepticism about Syrian intentions. I do not think that it is to be taken for granted that Syria will not co-operate. The Syrians were profoundly shocked, I think, by the anger, and the unanimity of that anger, in the Security Council yesterday.
On sanctions, resolutions inevitably depend on our gaining consensus so that the terms cannot be vetoed. What we were seeking, provided the terms were not watered down too much, was unanimity, so that Syria got a tough message from across the international community. Immediate sanctions were never in any of the drafts that the United Kingdom put forward, and I should be happy to share some of the earlier language with the hon. Gentleman if he is interested. There is, however, a clear undertaking to consider further action—in other words, sanctions—if Syria does not now co-operate, as it has not co-operated in the past.
I understand the hon. Gentleman's scepticism about Syrian intentions. I do not think that it is to be taken for granted that Syria will not co-operate. The Syrians were profoundly shocked, I think, by the anger, and the unanimity of that anger, in the Security Council yesterday.
On sanctions, resolutions inevitably depend on our gaining consensus so that the terms cannot be vetoed. What we were seeking, provided the terms were not watered down too much, was unanimity, so that Syria got a tough message from across the international community. Immediate sanctions were never in any of the drafts that the United Kingdom put forward, and I should be happy to share some of the earlier language with the hon. Gentleman if he is interested. There is, however, a clear undertaking to consider further action—in other words, sanctions—if Syria does not now co-operate, as it has not co-operated in the past.
Answered by
Jack Straw
(Labour)
Asked by
Keith Simpson
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
Sadly, from what the Foreign Secretary has just said, it is clear that the Syrians have a track record of refusing to comply either with bilateral or international pressure. It is obvious that the Syrians are not going to co-operate fully with the United Nations. Can the Foreign Secretary say why sanctions were not included in the most recent resolution, given that the Syrians appear only to move, very slightly, when they face the direct threat of action. Merely warning them again and again does not seem to produce any result whatsoever.
Subjects
Inquiries; Foreign relations; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Syria; Lebanon; Assassination; Hariri, Rafik
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c717-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I think that I do recall the tea; I have a feeling I was there.
As to the rightness of our Prime Minister's inviting the President of Syria to the United Kingdom, I say this: it was the correct thing to do, and I have no regrets about that decision. It was right to invite him to see whether it was possible to persuade what was then a relatively new regime to change its ways. If we had not sought to co-operate or to put out a hand of friendship to the new regime, it would, on that regime's subsequent behaviour, have been far more difficult to get the consensus that we were able to achieve in the Security Council yesterday.
As to our being mealy mouthed, I suggest that the hon. Gentleman reads resolution 1636. He will see that its terms are anything but mealy mouthed and impose severe obligations on the Government of Syria in respect of the investigation into the assassination of Rafiq Hariri. It spells out, too, the consequences that will follow if they fail to co-operate.
I think that I do recall the tea; I have a feeling I was there.
As to the rightness of our Prime Minister's inviting the President of Syria to the United Kingdom, I say this: it was the correct thing to do, and I have no regrets about that decision. It was right to invite him to see whether it was possible to persuade what was then a relatively new regime to change its ways. If we had not sought to co-operate or to put out a hand of friendship to the new regime, it would, on that regime's subsequent behaviour, have been far more difficult to get the consensus that we were able to achieve in the Security Council yesterday.
As to our being mealy mouthed, I suggest that the hon. Gentleman reads resolution 1636. He will see that its terms are anything but mealy mouthed and impose severe obligations on the Government of Syria in respect of the investigation into the assassination of Rafiq Hariri. It spells out, too, the consequences that will follow if they fail to co-operate.
Answered by
Jack Straw
(Labour)
Asked by
Lord Gove
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does the Foreign Secretary recall that the Prime Minister entertained Syria's President Bashir al-Assad to tea in Downing street in December 2002? Does he regret that, on the same day, the Prime Minister wrote in the Financial Times that the president was determined to bring about ““real change”” in Syria, and that there were ““encouraging signs””? Does he recall that, at the time, Syrian military forces were occupying the Lebanon, and that Damascus was playing host to the headquarters of Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah? Does the Foreign Secretary now regret coddling that dictator when he was planning mayhem across the middle east, and will he commit himself to supporting the democratic forces that want to bring about change in Syria, instead of remaining mealy mouthed on the issue?
Subjects
Inquiries; Foreign relations; Prime ministers; UN resolutions; Syria; Lebanon; Assassination; Hariri, Rafik
Date
1 November 2005
Reference
438 c716-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Andrew Love
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answered by
Kim Howells
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 July 2005
For answer on
10 October 2005
Answered on
10 October 2005
The Government of Fouad Siniora is committed to addressing the need for political, economic and security sector reforms in Lebanon. The UK stands ready to assist the Lebanese Government to implement these reforms. This was demonstrated by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's participation in a meeting of like-minded Foreign Ministers to support Lebanon on 19 September.We are concerned by the recent bomb explosions in and around Beirut, which have killed one person and injured over 30. We condemn all such attacks which seek to destabilise Lebanon. The UK supports full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1614, both of which promote the sovereignty of Lebanon, and encourages all parties in Lebanon to assist with their implementation.
Subjects
Lebanon
Date
10 October 2005
Reference
16102; 437 c123W;437 c123W
House
House of Commons
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) was held on 18–19 July in Brussels. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary (Jack Straw) chaired the council as president. My right honourable friend the Minister for Europe (Douglas Alexander) represented the UK. The Foreign Secretary made a short intervention at...
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) was held on 18–19 July in Brussels. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary (Jack Straw) chaired the council as president. My right honourable friend the Minister for Europe (Douglas Alexander) represented the UK. The Foreign Secretary made a short intervention at...
Member
Lord Triesman
(Labour)
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Borders; China; Human rights; Undocumented migrants; EU enlargement; EU common foreign and security policy; EU action; Estonia; Politics and government; Malta; Treaties; United Nations; Reform; Sanctions; Croatia; Russia; Israel; Turkey; Zimbabwe; Palestine; Iran; Syria; Middle East; Peace negotiations; EU external relations; Indonesia; Lebanon; North Macedonia; Uzbekistan; International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia; Kazakhstan; EU trade; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council
Date
21 July 2005
Reference
673 c129-34WS
House
House of Lords
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) was held on 18 and 19 July in Brussels. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw) chaired the Council, given our presidency. I represented the UK. The Foreign Secretary made...
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) was held on 18 and 19 July in Brussels. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw) chaired the Council, given our presidency. I represented the UK. The Foreign Secretary made...
Member
Douglas Alexander
(Labour)
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Borders; China; Human rights; Undocumented migrants; EU enlargement; EU common foreign and security policy; EU action; Estonia; Politics and government; Malta; Treaties; United Nations; Reform; Sanctions; Croatia; Russia; Israel; Turkey; Zimbabwe; Palestine; Iran; Syria; Middle East; Peace negotiations; EU external relations; Indonesia; Lebanon; North Macedonia; Uzbekistan; International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia; Kazakhstan; EU trade; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council
Date
21 July 2005
Reference
436 c147-51WS;436 c145-9WS
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to disarm Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon in compliance with Security Council resolution 1559.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to disarm Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon in compliance with Security Council resolution 1559.
Asked by
Huw Irranca-Davies
(Labour)
Answered by
Jack Straw
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 July 2005
For answer on
19 July 2005
Answered on
19 July 2005
We support full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1559, including the disarmament of Hezbollah, and will work with the new Lebanese Government in its efforts to deliver the political, economic and security sector reforms that will be necessary to resolve this complex task. Yesterday, the EU external relations council was briefed at my invitation, by Terje Roed-Larsen, the UN Special Envoy for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1559.
Subjects
Proscribed organisations; Lebanon
Date
19 July 2005
Reference
12892; 436 c1547W;436 c1547W
House
House of Commons