When Parliament debated the proposed new Iran nuclear agreement last week, the discussion included references to Mark Fitzpatrick, a nuclear proliferation expert who hails from Minnesota.
The transcript from Parliament records this exchange during the Nov. 25 debate:
Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): Does my right Hon. Friend agree with Mark Fitzpatrick, a nuclear proliferation expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, who has often backed what Israel has had to say about Iran, and who has concluded that: “Seeking to undermine the deal would bring benefit to no party except those who prefer war”?
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague): Yes, I heard some of Mark Fitzpatrick’s comments yesterday in the media. I thought they were well informed and balanced in coming to the conclusion that it was a good deal. He did so on the basis of the analysis carried out in the IISS. Anyone who goes through the detailed examples I have given to the House and who sees the range of activities of the Iranian nuclear programme that are covered, how specifically they are covered, and the importance attached in the agreement to obtaining a comprehensive agreement, will be very reassured.
Fitzpatrick, a former U.S. State Department official, now is director of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Program at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a think tank in London.
He’s also my older (by three months) cousin, who grew up in White Bear Lake. I wrote about a visit to see him two years ago.
He’s a regular commenter for British news organizations and reports he’s been very busy lately with the Iranian nuclear developments, as well as constant attention on North Korean issues.
