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CFI hold 'robust' talks with Cleverely to address 'on-going' Iran concerns
February 24, 2021 12:03
The Conservative Friends of Israel's parliamentary group have held talks with Middle East Minister James Cleverley to address “ongoing concerns” around issues involving Israel, the United Nations and Iran.
The virtual meeting – attended by MPs and peers attend including CFI parliamentary chairs Stephen Crabb MP, Lord Pickles and honorary president Lord Polak - saw what was described as a “robust exchange "of views and a call for the UK Government to support Israel in votes in UN institutions.
CFI confirmed they received a commitment from the minister to vote against permanent agenda Item 7 which singles out Israel for criticism at the UN Human Rights Council.
The CFI delegation also urged the government to voice objections to the announcement by the International Criminal Court that it is to open a probe into allegations of war crimes in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.
Also discussed was the situation with Iran – including the recent conviction of an Iranian diplomat in France who plotted an attack on an opposition rally which had been attended by British MPs, including three at the meeting with Mr Cleverley.
Speaking afterwards, Theresa Villiers, the MP for Chipping Barnet, said, “Too often, UN bodies single out Israel for disproportionate and unfair criticism.
"For years, I have been pressing ministers to ensure the UK always votes against this kind of unbalanced anti-Israel resolution.
“I’m also pressing the government for a tougher approach to Iran. It is in breach of is commitments under the nuclear deal and one of its diplomats was recently convicted of plotting a terrorist attack on a conference of Iranian opposition groups in Paris. Iranian backing for armed groups across different conflicts in the Middle East is causing huge instability and great loss of life.
"It is time to apply strong diplomatic pressure on Iran and the starting point should be to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation.”
Mr Cleverly also gave those at the meeting an assurance that the UK will not turn a blind eye to incitement in the Palestinian education system.
“It is time to apply strong diplomatic pressure on Iran and the starting point should be to proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation.”
Others attending the virtual talks included Matthew Offord MP, Bob Blackman MP, Karen Bradley MP, Mary Robinson MP, Andrew Bowie MP, Craig Williams MP, Christian Wakeford MP, John Howell MP and Lord Shinkwin.