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6 Jan 2010 : Column 412W—continued
Hezbollah
Mr. Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to apply any conditions in respect of the abandonment of the use of force by Hezbollah in his Department's contacts with Hezbollah politicians. [308556]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The UK's policy towards contact with Hezbollah remains unchanged. Our objective is that Hezbollah reject violence and play a constructive, democratic and peaceful role in Lebanese politics, in line with UN Security Council Resolutions. We believe that occasional and carefully considered contacts with Hezbollah's politicians, including its MPs, will best advance this goal.
Any contacts will take place on a case by case basis. We are only interested in serious dialogue with Hezbollah and about issues of national importance to Lebanon and the region.
Honduras: Politics and Government
Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 14 December 2009, Official Report, columns 772-73W, on Honduras: politics and government, for what reasons the UK did not send a representative to observe the recent presidential election in Honduras. [308413]
Chris Bryant: There was no UK or EU observation mission to monitor the presidential elections in Honduras on 29 November 2009 because the Tegucigalpa/San José Accord was not fully implemented ahead of the elections.
Following the elections the EU issued a statement expressing that the lack of implementation of the accord brought about an "electoral process under abnormal circumstances". However the UK noted that they were held in a largely peaceful manner. We continue to call for full implementation of the agreement and political
reconciliation ahead of the transfer of power to the President-elect on 27 January 2010, and stand ready to work with the new Government to restore democratic order in the country.
India: Foreign Relations
Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of India. [309196]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Government already enjoys constructive relations with India across a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues. We aim to develop close bilateral co-operation with India on education, trade, investment and development. We will also continue to engage the Indian Government on our strategic priorities in South Asia, recognising India's pivotal role in the region. UK and India are already working closely to address various global challenges which include promoting global economic stability, reducing the impact of climate change and tackling the threat of terrorism.
Indonesia: Foreign Relations
Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of Indonesia. [309193]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The UK has strong bilateral relations with Indonesia and continues to look for opportunities to further strengthen this partnership.
The UK and Indonesia co-operate across a broad range of foreign policy priorities including climate change, counter-terrorism and the prevention of radicalisation and the promotion of UK trade and investment. We also remain engaged with the Indonesian authorities on human rights and conflict prevention, reform of international institutions, global economy and co-operation in defence and education.
Iran: Foreign Relations
Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of Iran. [309197]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: Our objective is to encourage Iran away from confrontation and suspicion of the west. We and our international partners have serious concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions, its regional role in supporting terrorism and promoting instability, and its denial of the rights to which its own people aspire.
Iran's human rights record has deteriorated rapidly in 2009, and is arguably the worst it has been in 20 years. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary issued a statement on 28 December 2009 calling on the Iranian Government to respect the human rights of its people after several protesters were killed in clashes in Iran. We will continue to urge Iran to respect these rights, which are enshrined in international agreements to which Iran is party, and in the Iranian constitution.
On the nuclear dossier we continue to follow a two track approach which offers Iran the opportunity for cooperation with the international community but increased
pressure if Iran is unwilling. Given Iran's lack of positive engagement so far, further consideration will need to be given to sanctions targeted against the Iranian regime.
Jordan: Foreign Relations
Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of Jordan. [309146]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: Our policy towards Jordan remains one of firm support for its security and stability, and for the economic and political reform envisioned in its National Agenda of 2005. We count Jordan among our firmest friends and value the contribution it makes to resolving and averting regional conflicts. This is covered by the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices (FCO) sixth Departmental Strategic Objective (DSO), preventing and resolving conflict. We encourage British business investment in Jordan (FCO's DSO number 2, supporting the British economy), and through both the embassy and British Council we invest also in developing Jordan's human capacity.
Offenders
Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many employees of his Department and its agencies have been convicted of a criminal offence of each type in each year since 1997. [308514]
Chris Bryant: The number of employees convicted of a criminal offence since 1997 is five. However, as their were less than five convictions in each of the years in question, details are not provided to avoid revealing the identity of individuals and on grounds of confidentiality
Official Hospitality
Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much has been spent by his Department on greeting foreign dignitaries arriving at Heathrow airport in each of the last three years. [308364]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The requested information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Olympic Games 2012
Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 December 2009, Official Report, column 1036W, on Olympic Games 2012, how many heads of state and government he expects to visit the UK during the London 2012 Olympics; and what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of hosting such visitors. [309279]
Chris Bryant: Based on the experience of Beijing and previous Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, we are expecting more than 100 Heads of State and Government to visit the UK for the Games. Their principal costs will be met by the body that invites and hosts them, usually their respective National Olympic Committee or National Paralympic Committee.
Oman: Foreign Relations
Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of Oman. [309148]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: Oman is an important partner for the UK. We share exceptionally close political and defence links. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing our strong relationship.
To that end, we are working with the Government of Oman to encourage it to take a full and active role in regional stability and security issues. We will promote the benefits of a low carbon, high growth economy. We will continue to provide effective support to UK civil, defence and security interests; and to provide high quality consular assistance to British citizens living in, and travelling to, Oman.
Through the work of the British Council in Oman, we are expanding our support in the fields of education and training, and deepening cultural links.
Peru: EU External Trade
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what provisions of the proposed free trade agreement between Peru and the EU govern the protection of the Amazonian rainforest; and if he will make a statement. [307823]
Chris Bryant: We believe that the EU-Andean multiparty trade agreement under negotiation with Peru will encourage EU investment in the economy and the further spread of EU standards in corporate and social responsibility. The Government regard trade agreements as important for economic growth and prosperity in developing countries, helping to reduce the poverty that is often the driver of conflict, displacement and human rights abuse.
The UK remains committed to environmental conservation and protecting the rights of indigenous communities. We have frequent discussions with Peru on these issues. During my visit to Peru in October 2009, I, as Minister for Latin America, met members of the multi-sector committee working to strengthen consultation mechanisms with indigenous groups on the development of the Peruvian Amazon, as well as with a cross-section of domestic and international organisations working on environmental issues in Peru. I offered the Government's support to the Peruvian Government as they seek to strengthen Peru's legal framework for protecting the Amazon. We are engaging with Peru's Environment Minister on his commitment to reduce Peru's deforestation to zero by 2019.
Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) his EU counterparts and (b) the European Commission on the effects on the indigenous Amazonians of the proposed free trade agreement between the EU and Peru. [307824]
Chris Bryant:
Officials from the UK Representation to the EU in Brussels have been in continuous liaison with the European Commission throughout the negotiations-including on the UK's commitment to
environmental conservation and protecting the rights of indigenous communities across the Latin American region-via representation to the Article 133 Committee (now the Trade Policy Committee, since entry into force of the Lisbon treaty) and associated meetings in Brussels.
Qatar: Foreign Relations
Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of Qatar. [309150]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The UK continues to look for opportunities to further build our relationship with the State of Qatar to the benefit of both countries.
We work closely with the State of Qatar on political matters, including the Qatari led mediation on Sudan/Darfur, and to promote and enhance regional security. Qatar is a leading partner for the UK's energy requirements and we share an excellent relationship in this field based on mutual co-operation, highlighted in May 2009 with the opening of the South Hook liquid natural gas terminal by Her Majesty the Queen and His Highness The Emir of Qatar.
More widely, our work with the State of Qatar includes the promotion and enhancement of the excellent trade and economic links between our countries; the enhancement educational, cultural and sporting co-operation and to support the growing number of British citizens living in Qatar.
Russia: Foreign Relations
Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of the Russian Federation. [309194]
Chris Bryant: We aim to have a strong and uncompromising relationship with the Russian Federation, based on mutual respect, a shared commitment to enhanced prosperity, greater equality and respect for the rule of law and human rights as it is clearly in the UK's and Europe's interest to engage with, rather than isolate, Russia.
Russia is an important partner, including at the UN, in the G8 and the G20. We need to work together on tackling climate change, enhancing trade relationships and energy security, and on shared foreign policy objectives, including Afghanistan, promoting peace in the Middle East, combating the proliferation of nuclear weapons and developing security in our shared neighbourhood. The Government welcome President Medvedev's focus on the need to strengthen the rule of law in Russia. Implementation of this agenda would significantly enhance Russia's ability to meet the standards it set itself when it joined organisations such as the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The Government would like to see a strong and dependable Russia with which we and our partners can do business on a range of global challenges. That means a Russia which plays a responsible international role, and which keeps to the international commitments it has made, including in relation to energy supplies to Ukraine and EU member states, in relation to human rights in Chechnya and across Russia and in relation to Georgia.
Saudi Arabia: Foreign Relations
Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of Saudi Arabia. [309149]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: Saudi Arabia is a key ally in a strategically important region. It is an important partner in trade and investment, education, counter terrorism, defence and energy security. We are committed to maintaining and developing the relationship.
Saudi Arabia is the UK's largest trading partner in the Middle East. It is the UK's 23(rd) largest export market overall, with visible exports worth over £2.3 billion in 2008, and significant two-way investment flows. Over 16,000 British citizens live and work there and a further 120,000 travel annually to perform the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages. Around 20,000 Saudis come to the UK as students each year, and many others visit for business and tourism: we issued over 90,000 visas this year. We will continue to develop and strengthen these long established commercial, educational and cultural ties.
We will continue to co-operate closely with Saudi Arabia to counter the spread and threat of terrorism. Saudi Arabia has significant influence in the Muslim world, not least as the location of Islam's two holiest places and a centre of Islamic culture. Co-operation under the Prevent agenda is an important aspect of countering radicalisation in the UK and other countries key to the counter terrorism effort.
We will continue to work with Saudi Arabia to encourage it to take a full and active role in international institutions and on global issues such as climate change, the Middle East peace process and regional stability. We will also continue to work with the Saudi Government towards greater respect of human rights within Saudi Arabia.
Shipping: Pay
John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish legal advice (a) obtained and (b) considered by his Department in the last two years on the application of the minimum wage to seafarers sailing between UK ports. [307815]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Government's legal advice on this issue is clear, and was reflected on a number of occasions in several different communications between Ministers and representatives of the trade union movement-i.e. that under international law, a coastal state may not legislate in respect of foreign-flagged vessels which enjoy the right of innocent passage in the territorial sea, as provided in the UN convention on the law of the sea. This is a right enjoyed globally by UK-flagged vessels. We are equally clear that this right also applies to foreign-flagged vessels travelling between two UK ports, and that to apply the national minimum wage in such circumstances would not be consistent with customary international law of the sea.
Somalia: Politics and Government
Mr. Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the United Nations on the situation in Somalia. [308555]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the President of Somalia, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, in the margins of the UN General Assembly in September 2009 to discuss the situation in Somalia, including progress towards a political settlement and the security situation. The UK has an intense working relationship with the UN on Somalia, in New York, Nairobi and elsewhere. There are ongoing discussions in the UN on Somalia in a range of forums, in particular the Security Council, covering issues such as sanctions on obstacles to peace and security, piracy and UN support to the African Union mission in Somalia.
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