To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to apply any conditions in respect of the abandonment of the use of force by Hezbollah in his Department’s contacts with Hezbollah politicians. (308556)

The UK’s policy towards contact with Hezbollah remains unchanged. Our objective is that Hezbollah reject violence and play a constructive, democratic and peaceful role in Lebanese politics, in line with UN Security Council Resolutions. We believe that occasional and carefully considered contacts with Hezbollah’s politicians, including its MPs, will best advance this goal.

Any contacts will take place on a case by case basis. We are only interested in serious dialogue with Hezbollah and about issues of national importance to Lebanon and the region.