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27 Feb 2009 : Column 1200W—continued
Iran: British Council
Mr. Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the government of Iran on the resumption of the activities of the British Council in that country. [256247]
Caroline Flint: We have been very clear with the Iranians that we consider this behaviour unacceptable, and that they should enable the British Council to resume its operations as soon as possible.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised this with the Iranian Speaker on 7 February 2009 when they met in the margins of the Munich Security Conference. We have also made representations at official level in London and Tehran.
Iraq: Homosexuality
Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the treatment of gay and lesbian people in Iraq in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [256122]
Bill Rammell: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have received some reports of violence committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation. These however do not appear to point towards any systemic or institutionalised abuse of the homosexual community in Iraq. Rather they indicate unconnected acts perpetuated by bigoted individuals. FCO officials remain in contact with vulnerable groups organisations such as the UK-based Iraqi Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-Gender Group. We will continue to monitor this situation carefully.
Iraq: Mujahedin-e Khalq
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take at the United Nations in response to the Iraqi National Security Adviser, Muwafaq al-Rubaie's statement on 24 January 2009 that the government of Iraq intend to hand over to the Iranian government members of the People's Mujahedin of Iran; and if he will make a statement. [256769]
Bill Rammell: I should clarify that it was the US, not the UK, who had responsibility for the security and administration of the camp. The US informed us of its plans to hand responsibility for the camp to the Iraqi authorities from 1 January 2009. This has now taken place.
I should further clarify that the Iraqi government have not made any announcement stating they intend to forcibly hand over residents of Camp Ashraf to the Iranian government. National Security Adviser Al-Rubaie stated during his visit to Iran that “we have told the members of PMOI in Camp Ashraf that they have two options. Either they return home or choose a third country”.
Prior to the handover, the US received assurances making clear the Iraqi authorities commitment to the humane treatment and continued well-being of the camp residents. We understand that in addition to this, the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights has also visited the camp and delivered these assurances to a representative body of the residents. We are naturally concerned that the rights of all those involved in the process are observed and that they continue to be treated humanely and their fundamental human rights be maintained.
Voluntary repatriations to Iran of those residents who wish to return will continue. But there is no evidence to suggest forced relocation of the residents in Iraq or elsewhere will take place.
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the government of Iraq to withdraw their reported plans to hand over to the Iranian government members of the People's Mujahedin of Iran; and if he will make a statement. [256770]
Bill Rammell: I refer the hon. Member for Southend West to the answer provided against PQ 256769. It is the Government's view that there is no intention on the part of the Iraqi government to forcibly return any residents of Camp Ashraf to Iran.
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the government of Iraq on the rights of members of the People's Mujahedin of Iran resident in Ashraf City, Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [256771]
Bill Rammell: The US received assurances from the Iraqi authorities making clear their commitment to the humane treatment and continued well-being of the camp residents. We understand that in addition to this the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights have also visited the camp and delivered these assurances to a representative body of the residents. We are naturally concerned that the rights of all those involved in the process are observed and that they continue to be treated humanely and their fundamental human rights be maintained. In this regard, we understand that as a result of their extensive contacts the US are satisfied that the Iraqi authorities are fully aware of their responsibilities with regard to Camp Ashraf and its residents.
Both the Iraqi authorities and the US had been involved in discussions with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq
on the modalities of the hand over of responsibility for the camp. The Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights also played a key role in overseeing the transition. In addition we understand that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) discusses, on a confidential basis, all of the issues surrounding the camp with the People's Mujahedin Organisation of Iran and the Iraqi and US authorities. The ICRC follows developments at the camp closely and visit regularly.
The hon. Gentleman will also wish to note that, while residents of the camp were treated as ‘protected persons', this was exercised at the good will of the US authorities in charge at the time and was not granted through any legal obligation under international law.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the government of Iraq to remove all restrictions on supporters of the People's Mujahedin of Iran based in Ashraf City following the recent judgment of the European Court of Justice. [257284]
Bill Rammell: On 26 January 2009, taking into account the judgment by the Court of First Instance on 4 December 2008, the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted a list which did not include the People’s Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK/PMOI). Mindful of this 4 December judgement annulling the July 2008 listing of the MEK/PMOI, the UK believes that EU member states must observe and respect the court’s judgment in the current review of the EU list of terrorist organisations.
Residents of the camp are free to leave at any time if they demonstrate they have the appropriate travel documentation and finance to leave the camp and take up residence either in Iran or in a third country. Voluntary repatriations to Iran have previously taken place and, we understand, without the returnees concerned being ill treated. Such reparations will continue for those who wish to do this. There is no evidence to suggest forced relocation of the residents in Iraq or elsewhere will take place.
The US received assurances from the Iraqi authorities which make clear their commitment to the humane treatment and continued well-being of the camp residents. We understand that in addition to this the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights have also visited the camp and delivered these assurances to a representative body of the residents. We are naturally concerned that the rights of all those involved are observed and that camp residents continue to be treated humanely and their fundamental human rights be maintained.
Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to put in place mechanisms to protect supporters of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran based in Ashraf City. [257285]
Bill Rammell:
I should clarify that it was the US, not the UK, who had responsibility for the security and administration of the camp. The US informed us of its plans to hand responsibility for the camp to the Iraqi authorities from 1 January 2009 and this has now taken place. Both the Iraqi authorities and the US had been involved in discussions with the UN High Commissioner
for Refugees and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq on modalities. The Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights also played a key role in overseeing the transition. In addition we understand that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) discusses, on a confidential basis, all of the issues surrounding the camp with the People’s Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK/PMOI) and the Iraqi and US authorities. The ICRC follows developments at the camp closely and visits regularly.
The US received assurances from the Iraqi authorities before the handover took place making clear their commitment to the humane treatment and continued well-being of the camp residents. We understand that in addition to this the Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights have also visited the camp and delivered these assurances to a representative body of the residents.
We are naturally concerned that the rights of all those residents involved are observed and that they continue to be treated humanely and their fundamental human rights be maintained. In this regard, we understand that as a result of their extensive contacts the US are satisfied that the Iraqi authorities are fully aware of their responsibilities with regard to Camp Ashraf and its residents.
On 26 January 2009, bearing in mind the judgment by the Court of First Instance on 4 December 2008, the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted a list which did not include the MEK/PMOI organisation. The 4 December judgment annulled the July 2008 listing of the MEK/PMOI, the UK therefore believe that EU member states must observe and respect the court’s judgment in the current review of the EU list of terrorist organisations.
Iraq: Politics and Government
Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of (a) the resignation from the Iraqi government of its Minister for Women and (b) budgetary reductions of the Iraqi Ministry for Women on Iraq's ability to fulfil its responsibilities under UN Security Council Resolution 1325. [256652]
Bill Rammell: We were disappointed to hear news of the resignation of Mrs. Nawal al-Samaraie although there apparently remains considerable uncertainty about whether this resignation has been accepted by the Government of Iraq. We have always enjoyed excellent relations with Mrs. al-Samaraie and have offered our full support to the work of her ministry. Budgetary issues are clearly a matter for the government of Iraq but we understand that the Iraqi Ministry of Women’s Affairs is a Ministry of State and does not have the same autonomy, or budget line, of a full Ministry under the Iraqi Government.
The UK shall continue to work with the Government of Iraq to ensure that the rights of women as provided within the Iraqi constitution are upheld. The Iraqi Ministry of Human Rights also has responsibility towards upholding women’s rights as will the National Human Rights Commission which was established through legislation passed in November 2008.
Jo Swinson:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has
received of the reasons for the recent resignation from the Iraqi government of its Minister of Women; and if he will make a statement. [256653]
Bill Rammell: We are aware of reports of the resignation of the Minister of State for Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Nawal al-Samaraie, but have yet to see confirmation that her resignation has been accepted by the Government of Iraq. We are presently unaware of the reason for her resignation beyond that which was reported in the media. We have always enjoyed excellent relations with Mrs. al-Samaraie and so view this news with some concern. This is an internal matter for the Government of Iraq but we shall continue to monitor events closely.
Israel: Nuclear Weapons
Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the evidential basis is for the assumption that Israel has nuclear weapons, as set out at page 14 of his Department's publication, Lifting the Nuclear Shadow: Creating the conditions for abolishing nuclear weapons. [258124]
Bill Rammell: Information in the public domain has led to a widely held assumption that Israel possesses nuclear weapons, though Israel has always refused to either confirm or deny this. The UK has consistently urged Israel to join the non proliferation treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state.
Israel: Press Freedom
Mr. Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the government of Israel to lift its restrictions on the activities of journalists from the al-Jazeera network. [256246]
Bill Rammell: We support a free media and have been concerned by Israeli restrictions on media organisation, as my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear in his statement on 12 January 2009, Official Report, column 21.
Kenya: Piracy
Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had on the activities of pirates operating from Kenya. [256588]
Gillian Merron: We are not aware of any pirates operating from Kenya. The focus of the international community has been on the threat of piracy operating from Somalia, including in waters off the coast of Kenya.
Middle East: Armed Conflict
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received allegations of the unauthorised use of ambulances for non-medical purposes by members of Hamas during Operation Cast Lead; and if he will make a statement. [256729]
Bill Rammell: We have not received substantiated reports of Hamas misuse of ambulances, but there have been widespread reports of unacceptable activity by Hamas members. We condemn any attack on innocent civilians. UN Security Council Resolution 1860, which was proposed by us, was emphatic in its condemnation of all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism.
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the number of suicide bomb attacks in Israel for which Hamas claimed responsibility between 1994 and 2006; and if he will make a statement. [256735]
Bill Rammell: According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, between 1994 and 2006, there were 153 suicide attacks committed by Palestinians in Israel. We are unable to verify either the total number of attacks or the organisation responsible for individual attacks.
The UK has proscribed the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist group and repeatedly condemned attacks targeting civilians.
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the briefing note on Operation Cast Lead produced jointly by his Department and the Home Office Research and Information Unit; which (a) organisations and (b) individuals were consulted prior to drafting the briefing note; who drafted the briefing note; for what purpose it was produced; how many copies were circulated; to whom; at what cost to his Department; what contributions Ministers in his Department made to the briefing note; and if he will make a statement. [256736]
Bill Rammell: The Government worked hard to explain UK policy to interested groups throughout the conflict. In addition to public and parliamentary statements, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I have met privately with numerous non governmental organisations, Muslim and Jewish community groups and parliamentarians. We have also written to many individuals and groups, including my letter to all MPs and Peers on 9 January 2009.
As part of this engagement, Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials drew up summaries of our actions, policy, humanitarian efforts and key ministerial statements on areas of concern to audiences. These were distributed widely across Whitehall and to our embassies and high commissions around the world. Research, Information and Communications Unit (RICU) also disseminated them to their network. The factsheet evolved as the crisis progressed and continues to be updated regularly. I will place a copy of the latest factsheet in the Library of the House.
Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the government of Israel's estimate of the number of civilian Palestinian casualties during Operation Cast Lead; and if he will make a statement. [256737]
Bill Rammell: The Israeli authorities currently estimate that between 1100 and 1200 Palestinians were killed in Gaza. They estimate that 250 were civilians.
The UN, based on Palestinian Ministry of Health figures, reports that approximately 1,440 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, including 431 children and 114 women.
Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for UK policy of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and if he will make a statement. [257374]
Bill Rammell: The Government agree with the conclusion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that the construction of the barrier along the chosen route, and its associated regime, is unlawful under international law.
The Government have consistently made this position clear and supported the UN General Assembly Resolution which acknowledged the ICJ advisory opinion on the legal consequences of the construction of the barrier in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. While the advisory opinions of the ICJ are not legally binding, and the UK is not obliged under international law to take such diplomatic action, we continue to lobby the Government of Israel to ensure that any Israeli barrier is routed within Green Line Israel.
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