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Kashmir: UN Resolutions
Lord Ahmed asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they support the United Nations resolutions pertaining to Kashmir. [HL2075]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: We believe that India and Pakistan should build on both the UN resolutions and the 1972 Simla Agreement in their search for a solution to Kashmir. We continue to encourage both countries to return to bilateral dialogue to find a just and lasting solution acceptable to the people of Kashmir.
UN Resolutions and Security Council Membership
Lord Ahmed asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they consider that all relevant United Nations resolutions should be implemented in full prior to consideration of any country's application for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. [HL2076]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: We would expect that compliance with international rules and standards would strengthen any country's claim to a new permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
India and Pakistan: Line of Control
Lord Ahmed asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What steps they are taking to prevent the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan along the line of control and to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.[HL2077]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The current tensions are a cause for concern. It is in everyone's interest to demonstrate restraint and respect for the line of control. We will continue to convey this message to both Pakistan and India.
Mohammed Yasin Malik
Lord Ahmed asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they will raise with the Indian government the health of Mohammed Yasin Malik. [HL2078]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Peter Hain, raised the detention of members of the All Party Hurriyat Conference, including Mr. Malik, with the Indian authorities during his visit to India in November last year. Some have since been released. We will continue to make known our concerns about the others, including Mr. Malik.
Human Rights Convention and the EU
Lord Cope of Berkeley asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Further to the Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 13 April (H.L. Deb., col. 283), whether Commissioners of the European Union and their staff are required to take account of the European Covention on Human Rights in giving advice to the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. [HL2103]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Article 6 TEU requires the Union to respect fundamental rights as guaranteed by the ECHR. This requirement is binding upon the institutions of the EU, including the Commission.
Overseas Territories Governors
Lord Hoyle asked Her Majesty's Government:
- To which overseas territories the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs appoints the governor; and in each case, what is
the previous occupation and present salary of the governor.[HL2105]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The formal procedure is for governors to be appointed by Her Majesty the Queen on the advice of the Foreign Secretary and with the approval of the Prime Minister.
With two exceptions, the present complement of governors are all serving members of HM Diplomatic Service. The Governor of Bermuda is a former member of the Diplomatic Service. The Governor of Gibraltar worked previously at the Department of Trade and Industry.
The government of each territory makes provision in their budget for the governor and the governor's office. In some cases HMG make additional payments to the level appropriate to senior members of the Diplomatic Service.
European Charter of Fundamental Rights
Lord Pearson of Rannoch asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether, in view of the assurances given by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 13 April (H.L. Deb., cols. 282-3), they will veto the forthcoming European Charter of Fundamental Rights if it is brought before the European Council in legally binding form rather than declaratory form.[HL2129]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: We will consider the draft document provided by the convention drafting body on its merits. But the convention has no mandate to decide on the legal status of the charter. This is a matter for heads of government to decide at the Nice European Council in December.
Iran: Trial of Jews Accused of Espionage
Lord Christopher asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they are aware of any development in the trial of Jews detained in Iran for espionage.[HL2206]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: We have learned that, despite earlier announcements, the majority were accused of lesser charges, 10 of 13 defendants are being tried for espionage and that the trail is being held in closed session. We continue to press our deep concern at these developments on the Iranian authorities, in consultation with our EU partners, stressing the need for a transparent and fair trial.
Council of Europe and EU: Forthcoming Business
Lord Christopher asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they will list the forthcoming business in the Council of Europe for May; and list the major European Union events for the next six months.[HL2207]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: See attached.
This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue. Monthly Forecast of EU Business: May 2000 May 2--Brussels--Telecommunications Council 1. Adoption of the agenda. 2. (poss.) Approval of the list of "A" items. 3. Commission communication entitled "The European positions for the World Radiocommunications Conference 2000 (WRC-2000)":
- Council conclusions
- 6981/00 ECO 54 AVIATION 7 TRANS 37
- 7788/00 ECO 89 AVIATION 14 TRANS 58.
4. Conference on Digital Terrestrial Television (DVB-T) on 17 and 18 February 2000 in Lisbon:
- Presidency briefing
- 7527/00 ECO 72 AUDIO 13.
5. Review of the electronic communications regulatory package: outcome of the public consultation:
- presentation by the Commission
- policy debate
- 7754/00 ECO 87.
6. (poss.) Postal services:
- Commission briefing.
7. Other business:
- (a) Outcome of the public consultation on the "EU"
- Oral presentation by the Commission
- 5971/00 ECO 26.
(b) Commission communication on the organisation of the management of the Internet:
- Presentation by the Commission.
(c) Recommendation and communication from the Commission on access to the local loop, including local loop unbundling:
- Presentation by the Commission.
3 to 4--Brussels--European Parliament Plenary
* (poss.) Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion on behalf of the European Community on the Food Aid Convention 1999.
* (poss.) Proposal for a Council regulation laying down certain control measures in respect of vessels flying the flag of non-contracting parties to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO).
* (poss.) Proposal for a Council regulation amending the fifth time Regulation Codecision procedure--First reading.
* (poss.) Proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation (EC) (amending Regulation 5EEC) No. 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against the atmospheric pollution.
- No agendas currently available.
-
This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.
| Date | Location | Event | |
| May | |||
| 2 | Brussels | Telecommunications Council | |
| 3-4 | Brussels | European Parliament Plenary | |
| 5-7 | San Miguel, Azores | Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers | |
| 8 | Brussels | ECOFIN Council | |
| 8 | Lisbon | EU/New Zealand Ministerial | |
| 11 | Brussels | Health Council | |
| 15-16 | Brussels | Agriculture Council | |
| 15-16 | Oporto | WEU Council | |
| 15-19 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary | |
| 16 | Brussels | Culture Council | |
| 17 | Moscow | EU/Russia Summit | |
| 18 | Brussels | Industry Council | |
| 18 | Brussels | Development Council | |
| 22-23 | Brussels | General Affairs Council | |
| 23 | Brussels | EEA Council | |
| 23 | Brussels | Peace Implementation Council | |
| 25 | Brussels | Internal Market Council | |
| 25-26 | Lisbon | EuroMed Foreign Ministers Meeting (Informal) | |
| 28-30 | Evora | Agriculture Council (Informal) | |
| 29-30 | Brussels | Justice and Home Affairs Council | |
| 30 | Brussels | Energy Council | |
| June | |||
| 5 | Luxembourg | ECOFIN Council | |
| 6 | Luxembourg | Social Affairs Council | |
| 7 | Fiji | ACP/EU Ministerial 8 | |
| 8 | Fiji | Signing of post Lome convention | |
| 8 | Luxembourg | Education Council | |
| 13-14 | Luxembourg | General Affairs Council | |
| 13-16 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary | |
| 15 | Luxembourg | Research Council | |
| 16 | Luxembourg | Fisheries Council | |
| 19-20 | Luxembourg | Agriculture Council | |
| 19-20 | Sta. Maria da Feira | European Council | |
| 21-23 | Cyprus | 3rd Euro- Mediterranean Conference of the Ministers of Industry | |
| 22-23 | Luxembourg | Environment Council | |
| 26-27 | Luxembourg | Transport Council | |
| 28 | Lisbon | EU/India Summit | |
| July | |||
| 3-7 | Strasbourg | European Parliament Plenary | |
| 6-7 | Lille | Culture Council | |
| 7-8 | Paris | Social Affairs Council (Informal) | |
| 10-11 | Brussels | General Affairs Council | |
| 15-16 | Paris | Environment Council (Informal) | |
| 17 | Brussels | ECOFIN Council | |
| 17-18 | Brussels | Agriculature Council | |
| 24 | Brussels | Budget Council | |
| 27 | Bangkok | ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial | |
| 28-29 | Bangkok | ASEAN Post Ministerial | |
| 28-29 | Arles | Justice & Home Affairs Council (Informal) | |
| August | |||
| There are no Councils scheduled for this month. | |||
| September | |||
| 1-2 | Evian | Gymnich | |
| 3-5 | Biarritz | Agriculture Council (Informal) | |
| 6 | New York | EU/Ukraine Summit | |
| 9-10 | Paris | (tbc) ECOFIN Council (Informal) | |
| 18 | Brussels | Telecommunications Council | |
| 18-19 | Brussels | General Affairs Council | |
| 25-26 | Brussels | Agriculture Council | |
| 28 | Brussels | ECOFIN Council | |
| 28 | Brussels | Internal Market Council | |
| 28-29 | Marseilles | Justice and Home Affairs Council | |
| October | |||
| 2 | Luxembourg | Transport Council | |
| 9-10 | Luxembourg | General Affairs Council | |
| 10 | Luxembourg | Environment Council | |
| 13-14 | Biarritz | European Council | |
| 16 | Paris | EU/US Ministerial meeting | |
| 16 | Paris | EU/Canada Ministerial meeting | |
| 17 | Luxembourg | ECOFIN Council | |
| 19 | Luxembourg | Fisheries Council | |
| 19-21 | Seoul | Europe/Asia Summit | |
| 23 | China | EU/China Summit | |
| 23-24 | Luxembourg | Agriculture Council | |
| 25 | Luxembourg | Education Council | |
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