Syria

Angus Robertson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when (a) he, (b) one of his ministerial colleagues and (c) a delegation from his Department last visited Syria; what discussions took place; and if he will make a statement. [113291]

Mr. Ben Chapman
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Syrian authorities on (a) bilateral relations and (b) the Middle East. [113462]

Mr. Mike O'Brien
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not visited Syria during his term in office. He last spoke to Syrian Foreign Minister Shara'a on 11 April 2003, when their discussion focussed on Iraq and the Arab/Israel dispute. The Foreign Secretary also looked forward to building on bilateral relations. My meeting with President Al-Assad in Damascus, on 14 April 2003, focussed on the same issues. The UK remains committed to a policy of constructive and, where necessary, critical engagement with Syria. This allows us to support reform while maintaining a robust  dialogue on issues of concern including her attitude to Iraq, support for Palestinian rejectionist groups, WMD and human rights.