Michael Ring
Question:68 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Iran. [22064/98]
Vol. 496 No. 2
68 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Iran. [22064/98]
I have been following closely developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran since the election of President Khatami last year. Many of these have been positive — for example an increase in the democratic process, greater transparency in government and a marked emphasis on the importance of the rule of law. The recent announcement by the Government of the Islamic Republic regarding the case of Salman Rushdie is very welcome. However, I still remain concerned at certain aspects of the human rights situation in that country, especially in the case of the Bahai community, and will be pursuing this matter, in conjunction with our EU partners, at the current session of the UN General Assembly.