Mr Jim Murphy, Mr Nick Latta and Mr Martin Shearman

23 JANUARY 2008

  Q20  Lord Anderson of Swansea: We have had a bit of a Cook's tour of the Middle East, but could I, subject to that, mention Syria? Syria can prevent heavy weaponry from Iran reaching the Lebanon, which can be a major complicating factor in the area. President Sarkozy and the US appear to have a special relationship in respect of the Lebanon. How do we bilaterally and as Europeans judge what some say is a new flexibility on the part of the Syrians in respect of the Middle East's troubles?

  Mr Murphy: The slight advantage as Minister for Europe is that Syria is not my speciality, but I think the fact that Syria is willing to participate in the conference is important. The French have a historic relationship with the Lebanon, as we know. I daresay that what I will have to do is to invite your Lordships to allow me to correspond with you on this specific matter after consultations with Kim Howells, the Minister -

  Chairman: Yes, we have been in touch with him on this. Minister, can I, on behalf of the Committee, thank you very much indeed for coming. We realise that you have quite a lot of other worries of a parliamentary nature on your hands at the moment, but to come and talk to us both about Russia and about the European Council has been very valuable and will contribute to the reports which we are preparing. Thank you very much indeed.