MP says West’s policy of sabre-rattling and sanctions has not succeeded
Today in the House of Commons, The Foreign Secretary answered questions following an Urgent Question on the EU sanctions and Iran. John Baron MP questioned the West’s policy, believing the UK and the US are making a fundamental error regarding their policy over Iran.
John said in the House of Commons:
“Given that Iran is a state in transition, with multiple centres of authority, I suggest that the West’s policy of sabre-rattling and sanctions has not succeeded and serves only to reinforce the hardliners within the country at the expense of ordinary Iranians. Has the time not come for a fundamental reappraisal of our relationship – just as President Nixon recognised China’s new status during the 1960’s.”
The Rt. Hon. William Hague MP responded by saying that the Foreign Office regularly reviewed its approach to this matter but found Iran uncooperative and unresponsive.
John said afterwards:
“The US and UK may find Iran difficult but the West’s record has not been good. Our support for Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Iran, our rebuff to the reformist President Khatami in 2002 and Bush’s ‘axis of evil’ speech all soured relations.”
“Furthermore, there is no smoking gun from the IAEA’s latest report. The agency has not reported evidence of attempts to produce nuclear weapons, or of a decision to do so. Iran remains a member of the NPT whilst Israel, India and Pakistan are not – despite these countries having developed nuclear weapons illegally. Such double standards are not lost on Tehran.”
Ends
Word Count: 267
Date: 24th January 2012
Notes to Editors
John Baron MP is a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee
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