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27 Nov 2006 : Column 470W—continued
The E3+3 proposals would establish a foundation for greater long-term political and economic co-operation between Iran and the international
community, by providing assistance with Iran’s World Trade Organisation application and a strategic energy partnership and a Trade and Co-operation Agreement with the EU. These benefits would help develop trade and attract foreign investment to Iran. The proposals also offer support for a new conference on regional security issues and the possible lifting of US sanctions in some areas of great benefit to the Iranian economy, including civil aircraft, telecoms and agriculture.
The E3+3 made clear that in order for talks to begin, Iran would need to address the requirements of the IAEA Board and the UN Security Council, including the requirement that it should suspend all uranium enrichment related and reprocessing activities. We said that if Iran did so, we would be prepared to suspend further action in the Security Council.
Despite persistent efforts by Dr. Solana, the Iranians declined to engage substantively on the proposals during June and July, including at a meeting in Brussels on 11 July between Dr. Solana (supported by E3 and Russian Political Directors) and the Secretary-General of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani (and the full Iranian negotiating team). Dr. Larijani did not ask any serious questions about the proposals, and would not say whether Iran was prepared to suspend uranium enrichment activities. Since it was over three months since the Security Council had asked Iran to suspend and there was no sign that Iran was willing to do so, we decided it was necessary to resume activity in the Security Council. On 31 July, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1696, which inter alia made the suspension legally binding and asked the IAEA to report on compliance by 31 August.
Iran formally responded to the proposals on 22 August. The lengthy response did not indicate that Iran would be prepared to meet IAEA Board and Security Council requirements. The IAEA reported on 31 August that Iran had not reinstated the suspension.
The E3+3 remain committed to a negotiated solution and have continued to show flexibility. Despite the passing of the 31 August deadline, Dr. Solana had a series of exchanges with Dr. Larijani in September to see if Iran could be persuaded to take the steps that would allow negotiations to begin. Dr. Solana indicated that the E3+3 might be prepared to be flexible about the modalities for opening negotiations if Iran was prepared to meet Security Council and IAEA Board requirements. But after some positive indications in early September, Dr. Larijani told Dr. Solana in Berlin on 28 September that Iran was not prepared to resume the suspension. President Ahmadinejad also said publicly on 28 September that Iran would not suspend ‘even for one day’. Iran has also given no indication that it is prepared to meet other IAEA Board requirements, such as the resumption of co-operation with the IAEA on Additional Protocol terms, which was also highlighted in our June proposals.
I chaired a meeting of E3+3 Foreign Ministers and Dr. Solana in London on 6 October to review the situation. We agreed that Iran’s failure to address Security Council requirements left no choice but to consult on the adoption of measures under Article 41 of the UN Charter, as envisaged in Resolution 1696. Consultations on a new Security Council Resolution
have now begun. This does not mean the end of our efforts to find a negotiated solution. Ministers made clear in London that the E3+3 proposals remain on the table.
The IAEA Director-General’s latest report on 14 November again confirms that Iran has not taken any steps to reinstate the suspension. Indeed Iran began enriching uranium in a second 164-centrifuge cascade on 13 October. This is a move in the wrong direction. Iran needs to take steps that will build confidence; expanding its enrichment activities in defiance of the IAEA Board and the Security Council will only have the opposite effect.
I am placing in the Library of the House a copy of the E3+3 proposals and the Iranian reply of 22 August, both of which have been circulated as documents of the Security Council.
Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her Department's policy is on the proposed extradition to Iran of the Iranian dissidents in Camp Ashraf, South East Baghdad; and if she will make a statement. [103575]
Dr. Howells: The residents of Camp Ashraf are subject to the laws of Iraq, including laws on residency and immigration. We would expect the Government of Iraq to implement these laws fairly and with due regard to the rights of those concerned. Camp Ashraf residents who have not personally been involved in illegal activities are free to leave the camp and return to their home countries if they have the appropriate travel documents. A number have already voluntarily returned to Iran, where they are now living. Some 300 of the approximately 3,500 residents of the camp have chosen to return to Iran with assistance and support from the Iraqi Human Rights Ministry and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Maliki recently announced that he would establish a committee to look into the continuing residence in Iraq of those people living in Camp Ashraf, who in the main are not Iraqi nationals. But we are not aware of any plans to extradite Camp Ashraf residents to Iran.
Iraq
Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether her Department has evidence of involvement by members of the Iraqi al-Da'wa organisation in the planning and execution of the terrorist attacks on the British Embassy and the British Club in Baghdad during the 1980s. [103092]
Dr. Howells: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has no evidence of involvement by members of the Iraqi al-Da'wa organisation in the planning and execution of the terrorist attacks on the British Embassy and the British Club in Baghdad during the 1980s. We are aware of press reports at the time of the al-Da'wa organisation claiming responsibility for the attacks. There is no indication that this link was ever proven.
Lebanon
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the political and security situation in Lebanon; and what support the UK is providing to the Government of Lebanon. [103478]
Dr. Howells: The security situation has improved significantly since United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 stopped the conflict. The cessation of hostilities continues to hold and the reconstruction process is underway.
However, the political situation in Lebanon continues to be unstable with the assassination of Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel and the resignation of six Shiia members of the Cabinet.
The UK is now focussed on assisting the Government of Lebanon in implementing UNSCR 1701, which provides a political framework for peace. To this end, the UK has committed £2.5 million to provide the Government of Lebanon with security sector assistance to allow it to exercise full control of its territory as called for in UNSCR 1701. As part of this the UK is in the process of giving 47 Land Rovers to the Lebanese armed forces. UNSCR 1701 also called on the international community to take immediate steps to extend its financial and humanitarian assistance to the Lebanese people. For its part the UK has contributed £22.3 million in humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what equipment requirements for the Lebanese armed forces the UK military team referred to in the answer of 4 September 2006, Official Report, columns 2046-47W, have identified; and if she will make a statement. [103697]
Dr. Howells: The Lebanese have a wide-ranging requirement for training, equipment, including weapons, ammunition, vehicles, communications equipment aircraft and vessels.
We are working with the Lebanese government and international partners to establish the Lebanese armed forces equipment requirements and to co-ordinate on how best to meet those requirements.
The UK was instrumental in setting up an informal co-ordination group in Beirut, which is working well. We will continue to co-ordinate with the government of Lebanon and international partners on extending the control of the government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory as called for in UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Madagascar
Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the British High Commission in Port Louis regarding the security situation in Madagascar. [102508]
Mr. McCartney:
Our high commission in Port Louis is following developments in the security situation in Madagascar. Following an attempt by General
Andrianafidisoa to overthrow the President of Madagascar on 18 November, British residents and visitors have been advised to stay alert, as tension could rise during the build-up to the presidential election on 3 December.
Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the actions of General Andrianafidisoa in Madagascar; and what (a) representations she has made and (b) further action she is taking towards ensuring that the general election to be held in Madagascar on 3 December 2006 is free and fair. [102511]
Mr. McCartney: General Andrianafidisoa's attempt on 18 November to use force to displace President Ravalomanana was quickly dealt with by the Malagasy authorities. We understand that a warrant has been issued for his arrest. We have made no representations.
We encourage all parties in Madagascar to express their views by peaceful, democratic means in the lead up to, during, and following the presidential elections on 3 December. An EU election observation team has been sent to Madagascar to monitor the elections.
Middle East
Mr. Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what work her Department is undertaking to examine economic aspects of the Middle East peace process. [102768]
Dr. Howells: We remain concerned at the economic situation in the Occupied Territories. The economic aspect of the peace process is important. We continue to call upon both parties to implement the Agreement on Movement and Access and the dismantling of checkpoints and roadblocks. We are also working closely with HM Treasury to take work forward to improve the economic situation. I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary, gave to him on 1 November 2006, Official Report, column 541W.
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions (a) she and (b) members of her Department have had with (i) the United Nations Secretary General and (ii) his representatives on proposals to resolve the status of the Shebaa Farms area in accordance with UNSCR 1701; and if she will make a statement. [103503]
Dr. Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have had wide ranging discussions with the UN Secretary-General and other UN officials about the situation in Lebanon, including the Shebaa Farms.
The UK supports UN Security Council Resolutions 1680 and 1701 which call for action by Lebanon and Syria to delineate their common border, especially where the border is uncertain or disputed.
The UN has confirmed that they are working to establish the cartographic, legal and political implications of a Lebanese proposal to place the
Shebaa Farms under UN jurisdiction until border delineation and Lebanese sovereignty over them are fully settled.
Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her assessment is of progress made in the formation of (a) a Palestinian unity government and (b) commitment to the Quartet principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel and commitment to previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements. [103504]
Dr. Howells: We welcome Palestinian President Abbas' continuing efforts to form a new government. We will look at the programme of any government closely. We want to see a Palestinian government with which we can do business. It must be based upon the three Quartet (EU, UN, US and Russia) principles: renunciation of violence; recognition of Israel; and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap. We remain concerned that neither the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority, nor Hamas as a movement, has committed to these principles.
Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the publications available on the history of Israel's nuclear programme referred to in the answer of 2 May 2006 to question reference 68592 on the Middle East include all relevant documentation from the UK Government; and if she will make a statement. [103635]
Dr. Howells: I can confirm that the publications available on the history of the Israel's nuclear programme, referred to in my written answer to my hon. Friend on 8 May, Official Report, column 54W, include declassified files from the Government from the 1950s and the 1960s, which are now held at the Public Records Office at Kew.
Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with (a) Israel and (b) Syria on the future of the Golan Heights. [104251]
Dr. Howells: None. The roadmap remains the internationally endorsed route to a settlement of all three tracks of the Middle East Peace Process. It makes clear that issues such as the Golan Heights are for negotiation. Building momentum on the Palestinian-track in Phase I should lead to progress on all other tracks in Phases II and III. We are fully prepared to support this process, but it is essential that Syria works to support it too and not seek to undermine it by pursuing policies which reduce rather than increase the prospects of peace.
Minister for Europe
Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates since his appointment the Minister for Europe has attended Cabinet; and if she will make a statement. [102572]
Mr. Hoon [holding answer 23 November 2006]: I attend Cabinet each week. Following are the dates on which I have attended since my appointment on 5 May 2006:
11 May
25 May
1 June
22 June
29 June
6 July
13 July
20 July
14 September
12 October
19 October
26 October
2 November
9 November
16 November
Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what responsibility the Minister for Europe has for Ugandan affairs. [102573]
Mr. Hoon [holding answer 23 November 2006]: I only have responsibility for Ugandan affairs where they relate specifically to European matters. These activities do not constitute a significant part of my ministerial workload.
Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Minister for Europe’s official job title is; what his full job title as set out on the official plaque on his office is; what the previous Minister for Europe’s full job title as set out on the official plaque on his door was; when that plaque was last changed; and what the cost of that change was. [102574]
Mr. Hoon [holding answer 23 November 2006]: My official title is Minister for Europe.
I do not have a plaque outside my departmental office.
There is, however, a plastic coated sign stating “Minister for Europe’s office” and listing the names of my private secretaries. This is the same sign used by my predecessor.
Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will list the overseas visits undertaken by the Minister for Europe since his appointment. [100474]
Margaret Beckett: In line with his responsibilities, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe has visited the following member states since his appointment in May 2006 for discussions on key EU dossiers: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic. He has also visited Istanbul and Ankara for talks on Turkish accession and Gibraltar and Cordoba for negotiations on the Trilateral Agreement.
As his portfolio includes Russia, Central Asia, the South Caucasus and the Balkans, he has visited
Moscow, Almaty, Astana, Tbilisi, Yerevan, Pristina, Sarajevo, Skopje and Podgorica for bilateral discussions.
He represented the Government at the EU-Africa Migration and Development Conference in Rabat in July and was in the ministerial team who attended the United Nations General Assembly in September. He also supported my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister at the EU-Latin America Summit in Vienna in May.
In addition, he is regularly present when the monthly General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels takes place as well as attending the European Parliament Plenary in Strasbourg. He represented me at the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers in Lappeenranta in Finland in September.
He will visit Dublin on 20 November to give a speech at the Institute of European Affairs.
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