Andrew Rosindell – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Andrew Rosindell on 2015-10-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the government of Iran on alleged Iranian support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood

We are concerned by Iranian support to the Houthis, including reports that Iran has transferred weapons to Yemen, which would be contrary to UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and the Security Council’s embargo on the export of weapons by Iran. We encourage Iran to show it can be a constructive part of the solution through promoting stability and showing commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen. We have raised our concerns with the Iranian government, including with President Rouhani. The newly opened Embassy in Tehran is an opportunity to discuss a range of issues with Iranian counterparts, including regional issues.