House of Lords

Iran

Lord Wedderburn of Charlton: My Lords, the Minister speaks of keeping channels open. Will the Government renew their support for groups inside Iran that are pressing peacefully for democratic change? Will they reconsider the freezing of their assets in the way that is objectionable in the light of a court of the European Union in Luxembourg?

Lord Triesman: My Lords, we always encourage those who pursue democratic processes, but we will not seek to interfere directly in the internal affairs of a country that has those groups in it. I am sure that they would not necessarily welcome us doing so. We have been consistent in our support for those who have argued for a richer civil society. A great deal of work has been done in support of that civil society, and that is probably the way in which we will see the flowering of a far more pluralistic society in Iran.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldhansrd/text/70226-0001.htm