TNAG-1755-FCO40-2475-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 27

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Japan.

An important focus of EC political co-operation at present is the

Here too we forthcoming mid-term meeting of the GATT in Montreal.

And

have consistent and commonsense objectives. We want Montreal to register clear gains for the open trading system, whether in concrete agreements reached or as consensus on the way ahead. we want others to agree to follow the Community's example in cutting back agricultural support and production.

But

- The Community is in the middle of an exciting period of

consolidation and development. This country is playing a leading

part in charting the course. We shall take stock at Rhodes. much remains to be done, and we must get it right. We have a record

of solid achievement on which to build.

My Lords, in NATO and in the EC we have worked to strengthen the security and prosperity of Europe. But ours is a global vision, and we are working also to strengthen international security and

prosperity.

This means, firstly, addressing destabilising regional conflicts around the world. The UN is increasingly effectively engaged to this end. We welcome, and indeed have done much to promote a sense of common responsibility and purpose in the Five Permanent members of the Security Council. For instance we have encouraged the resumption of regular meetings of the Five Foreign Ministers.

The most outstanding example of successful co-operation by the Five is the achievement of a ceasefire in the long and bloody war between Iran and Iraq. This war had threatened the safe passage of neutral vessels in the Gulf, and drawn Soviet and Western navies into the

region.

The UK was a prime mover behind Security Council Resolution 598 which provides the basis for the ceasefire. We are now supporting the efforts of the Secretary General to persuade Iran and Iraq to