Iran: Oppression
13th March 2008
Dr. Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Iranian government to encourage that government to lift the ban on democratic opposition organisations; and if he will make a statement. [193078]
Meg Munn: Encouraging respect for fundamental human rights and political freedoms is a key element of our approach towards Iran. We do not take sides in Iran's internal political debates—these are for Iranians themselves to resolve—but together with the EU we seek to promote the internationally recognised principles to which many Iranians aspire including freedom of speech and transparent, genuinely democratic and accountable government. Our work to assist the development of civil society around the world will continue in support of this goal. The Iranian people should be given a genuine democratic choice about their country's future.
