GS 63: Letter to the Parliamentary Relations Team,

Foreign and Commonwealth Office from the Committee Specialist

The Committee thanks the Secretary of State for his responses to its Reports on Global Security: The Middle East and the Foreign Policy Aspects of the Detention of Naval Personnel by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

I have been asked by the Committee to follow up on a number of points raised in the Government's responses.

With regards to the Report on Foreign Policy Aspects of the Detention of Naval Personnel by the Islamic Republic of Iran:

· Paragraph 5 of the Government response makes reference to an FCO review of the incident. The Committee would be grateful if it could be provided with a copy of this review.

· Paragraph 15 of the Government response notes that it has "discussed with the Iranian authorities steps to ensure that no further incidents of this kind take place". The Committee has asked for more details on precisely what steps have been taken to avoid a repeat of this incident.

With regards to the Report on Global Security: The Middle East:

· The Committee would like to know how the Government envisages the challenge of Hamas will be dealt with within the Annapolis process.

· Paragraph 57 of the Government's response refers to multilateral discussions aiming to address the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions. The Committee would be grateful for an update on the status of these negotiations.

· The Committee recommended that the Government "explicitly state whether it believes that, in the light of information now available, Israel's use of cluster bombs was proportionate", but the Government's response does not appear to do so. The Committee invites the Government again to explicitly state whether it believes this was the case.

· Paragraphs 66 to 69 of the Government's response refer to the cluster munitions clearing operation in Lebanon. The Committee wishes to know what progress has been made on clearance, and whether Israel has provided the relevant maps.

· Paragraphs 77 and 78 of the Government's response refer to diplomatic engagement with Syria. The Committee notes the decision by France to suspend some contact with Syria until it improves its policies towards Lebanon. It wishes to know whether the Government is considering adopting a similar approach.

· Paragraph 88 of the Government's response refers to the Rafah crossing. The Committee would like an update on the situation at Rafah, and the impact it has had on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

· Paragraph 122 of the Government's response notes the Committee's recommendation that the FCO publish a strategy paper its approach to the Middle East and promises to "reflect further" in the light of the Government's National Security Strategy and the Public Service Agreement on Conflict Prevention. The Committee wishes to know whether any conclusions have arisen so far from this reflection.

The Committee looks forward to an early reply to its further questions.

24 January 2008