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26 Jun 2008 : Column 540W—continued
United Arab Emirates: Prisoners
Mr. Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made on behalf of British citizens imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates; and if he will make a statement. [212092]
Mr. Jim Murphy: There are currently 43 British citizens imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Consular officers can consider approaching the local authorities only if a British citizen is not treated according to internationally accepted standards. This may include where a trial does not follow internationally recognised standards for a fair trial or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases. We have no record of any such approaches having been made in the UAE in recent years.
Additionally, with the prisoner's permission, consular officers can take up any justified complaint about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination with the police or prison authorities. We have no record of any such issues having been raised in recent times with UAE authorities. However, we have on occasion brought welfare concerns to the attention of prison authorities. These usually involve dietary and medical issues raised by prisoners. Our consulate in Dubai has taken up four cases of ill treatment with the Dubai authorities in the last three years. Posts also continue to liaise with the authorities in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to ensure that the appeals are progressing.
Western Sahara: Politics and Government
Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received representations from the UN on Morocco’s claim of sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement. [212229]
Mr. Jim Murphy:
The UK has not received representations from the UN on Morocco’s claim of sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara. The UK regards the sovereignty of Western Sahara as undetermined pending UN efforts to find a solution. The UK fully supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to the
Western Sahara, Peter van Walsum, to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
UN Security Council Resolution 1813 of November 2007 extended the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara and called on the parties to continue negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. The UK fully supports these negotiations and has called on the parties to continue to engage in the process in a spirit of realism and compromise.
The UK maintains regular contact with Mr. van Walsum, both at the UN in New York and when he has visited the UK.
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