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Indonesia: Human Rights
Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty's Government:
What information they have received from the Finnish presidency about the reaction of the Government of Indonesia to their representations concerning the investigation of the murder of the human rights activist Munir Said Thalib on a Garuda flight from Jakarta to the Netherlands on 7 September 2004; and whether they have any information about the approach by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions to the Government of Indonesia about that murder. [HL763]
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: The Finnish presidency, on behalf of the EU, made representations to the Government of Indonesia (GoI) urging an investigation into the death of Munir. The EU presidency in Jakarta has not received a response to these representations. The Indonesian Defence Minister has stated that the GoI would not welcome foreign involvement in this case, and rejected any involvement by the UN Special Rapporteur. We continue to press the Indonesian Government to carry out a thorough investigation into the death of Munir.
International Law
Lord Monson asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the remarks by Lord Triesman on 11 December (Official Report, col. 1437), whether the use of force by the European Union, the United Nations or NATO to prevent countries or territories from dividing or amalgamating is permitted under international law. [HL860]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman): Use of force, whether on behalf of the European Union or the United Nations or by NATO, to prevent countries dividing or amalgamating would be permitted under international law if authorised by a mandatory United Nations Security Council resolution under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
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Iraq and Afghanistan: Military Operations
Lord Marlesford asked Her Majesty's Government:
What has been the cost to public funds in each of the past five years of British military operations in (a) Iraq, and (b) Afghanistan; and what financial provision has been made for this in 2006—07 and 2007—08. [HL781]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Drayson): The costs of operations are calculated on a net additional basis and audited figures are published each year in the MoD's annual report and accounts, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
The total of the annual audited figures for the costs of operations in Iraq for the years 2002-03 to 2005-06 was £4,026 million. An estimated cost of £860 million for 2006-07 was included in the winter supplementary estimates published in November. Final figures will be published in the MoD's annual report and accounts for 2006-07.
The annual audited figures for the costs of operations in Afghanistan for the years 2001-02 to 2005-06 were £844 million. An estimated cost of £540 million for 2006-07 was included in the winter supplementary estimates published in November. Final figures will be published in the MoD's annual report and accounts for 2006-07.
Financial provision for 2007-08 will be sought in estimates for that year when a clearer picture of operational requirements is known.
Iraq: Armed Forces
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
What recent representations they have received from United Kingdom families regarding the return of forces personnel serving in Iraq; and what response they gave. [HL363]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Drayson): We receive a considerable volume of correspondence from members of the public who have family members serving in Iraq. Their letters cover a wide range of issues. We prepare bespoke replies to each correspondence but consistently recognise our forces’ contribution and confirm the requirement for UK forces to remain in Iraq until we have completed the task in hand.
Iraq: Syrian Nationals
Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty's Government:
What assessment they have made of the targeting of Syrian nationals by militant groups in Iraq; and whether they will make representations to the Government of Iraq to enhance the protection given to Syrian nationals and other foreign communities. [HL835]
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Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not made an assessment of the targeting of Syrian nationals by militant groups in Iraq and is not aware of reports that Syrian nationals are being persecuted.
The high level of violence in Iraq affects all communities. We are supporting the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi security forces to improve their capacity and effectiveness in tackling violence, and creating a secure environment for all people in Iraq.
Israel and Palestine: British Armaments
Baroness Tonge asked Her Majesty's Government:
What assessment they have made of the part played by British armaments sold to Israel in the military strikes on northern Gaza. [HL773]
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: We have no evidence that UK-supplied equipment was used by Israel in military action in northern Gaza. Our overseas posts monitor any reported misuse of UK-origin defence equipment. Should any such information come to our attention, it would be raised with the Israeli Government and taken into account when assessing any future applications. We would also, if appropriate, revoke other related licences.
All export licence applications are rigorously assessed against the consolidated EU and national export licensing criteria and other prevailing circumstances at the time of application. If an application is considered inconsistent with the criteria a licence will not be issued.
Details of all export licences are available in the quarterly and annual reports on strategic export controls submitted to Parliament and are subject to detailed retrospective scrutiny by the Quadripartite Committee on Strategic Export Controls. These are available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk.
Israel and Palestine: Gaza
Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether Israel's practice in closing the entry and exit points to Gaza constitutes a collective punishment in international law; and what steps they are taking to improve the situation. [HL882]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman): Israel has a duty to protect its citizens from terrorist attack but should also ensure that the effects of its security measures on the Palestinian population are minimised.
We have consistently raised our concerns about the closure of the Israel/Gaza crossing points with the Israeli Government. The Israeli Government have
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Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United Nations Human Rights Council mission to Israel has been allowed to enter Gaza; and, if not, whether they will make representations on this matter to the Government of Israel. [HL931]
Lord Triesman: The. Human Rights Council established the fact-finding mission in a resolution adopted during a special session on 15 November. The Israeli Government have made no final decision regarding the mission. Our Embassy in Tel Aviv raised our concerns with the Israeli Ministry for Foreign Affairs on 19 December.
Israel and Palestine: Imprisoned Government Members
Baroness Tonge asked Her Majesty's Government:
What discussions they have held with the Government of Israel concerning the release of elected members of the Government of Palestine currently held in prison. [HL774]
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: We have supported publicly the call in the 13 and 14 November EU General Affairs and External Relations Council conclusions for the immediate release of Palestinian Ministers and legislators detained in Israel.
Israel and Palestine: Occupied Territories
Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What specific measures they are taking to ensure that the European Union is implementing its guidelines (Heading III) on (a) compliance with international humanitarian law, and (b) the protection of human rights defenders, in respect of the occupied Palestinian territories. [HL277]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman): The EU has agreed guidelines in five areas: children and armed conflict, action against torture, death penalty, human rights dialogues and human rights defenders. There are no separate EU guidelines on compliance with international humanitarian law. However, we continue to stress to the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority the need to ensure that their actions comply with international law.
We are a strong supporter of the EU human rights defender guidelines, which were last reviewed earlier this year. At the time of the review, the Foreign and
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We continue to take action to tackle human rights issues in Israel and the Occupied Territories. This action includes working with non-governmental organisations and raising our concerns bilaterally. We remain concerned at the restrictions of movement of Palestinians in and between Gaza and the West Bank. We continue to call on both sides to implement the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access in full. We also call on Israel to route the barrier on or behind the Green Line and freeze all settlement activity and dismantle all outposts built since 2001. The routing of the barrier and the construction of settlements on occupied land is illegal. We continue to raise these issues with the Israeli Government.
Israel and Palestine: Road Map
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will outline the specific steps which they will recommend to their European Union Middle East quartet partners to revive the road map talks, following the Prime Minister's visit to Israel and Palestine on 18 December. [HL1062]
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: During my right honourable friend the Prime Minister's visit on 17 to 19 December he met Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas to discuss how to move the peace process forward. He stated that the immediate priorities for the peace process are: an Office of the President in Palestine that is given the means to improve its capacity and effectiveness to act in the interests of the Palestinian people; an early meeting between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas; and a relaunch of the political process leading to a two-state solution.
One of my right honourable friend the Prime Minister’s immediate priorities has already been achieved: on 23 December Prime Minister Olmert met President Abbas at his residence in Jerusalem. Prime Minister Olmert agreed in principle to the release of $l00 million in withheld tax revenues and easing restrictions on movement and access in the West Bank. Prime Minister Olmert has since announced plans for the removal of 27 roadblocks as part of a series of gestures designed to gradually ease restrictions on the Palestinian population.
The EU is already taking forward work to help build Palestinian institutions, as noted at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 13-14 November. EU Foreign Ministers have also reiterated the necessity of a political perspective and
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Israel and Palestine: West Bank
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make representations to the Government of Israel to seek early meetings with the Israeli Women's Checkpoint Watch groups to discuss problems facing Palestinians at Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank. [HL630]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Triesman): We have no plans to make representations to the Government of Israel to meet with Israeli Women's Checkpoint Watch.
Israel: Nuclear Capability
Baroness Tonge asked Her Majesty's Government:
What recent discussions they have held with the Government of Israel concerning Israel’s nuclear capability. [HL775]
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon: We last held discussions on the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) with the Government of Israel on 14 November 2006. The Government have on a number of occasions called on Israel to accede to the NPT as a non-nuclear weapon state, and to conclude a comprehensive safeguards agreement and additional protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Legislation
Baroness Noakes asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the time lag between Royal Assent and the availability of statutes in printed form is satisfactory. [HL885]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Baroness Ashton of Upholland): Taking into account the requirement for accuracy, we consider the publication timetable for Acts of the UK Parliament to be satisfactory.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, printed copies of all Acts are published no later than five working days after receipt of the approved text from the House of Lords. Normally they are also published within 24 hours of receipt on the OPSI website.
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Ministry of Defence: Sir Michael Jackson's Comments
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the remarks about Ministry of Defence support for the Army made by the former Chief of the General Staff, Sir Michael Jackson, on 6 December. [HL677]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Drayson): Her Majesty's Government welcome General Jackson's continued support on such important defence issues as our ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the maintenance of our nuclear deterrent.
As General Jackson said, the Ministry of Defence is both a Department of State and the supreme headquarters of the Armed Forces. It is impossible to draw a clear divide between these two overlapping roles, with military and civilian personnel working together side-by-side. Everybody at the Ministry of Defence shares a common purpose in contributing to operational effectiveness, and is fully committed to supporting our service men and women, and their families.
Where we can improve our support we will always do so.
Ministry of Defence: Statutory Instruments Committee
Lord Morris of Manchester asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Drayson on 1 December (WA 104), where, in the letter from the Minister for Veterans to which he referred, details are given of steps which the Ministry of Defence is taking to avoid any repetition of the finding communicated by the chairman of the House of Lords Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee that information given to Parliament by the Ministry of Defence in an explanatory memorandum had proved to be inaccurate; and [HL808]
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Drayson on 1 December (WA 104), where, in the letter from the Minister for Veterans to which he referred, details are given of steps which the Ministry of Defence has taken to ensure that in future the Ministry of Defence's consultation procedures are reliable, “not least to be able to inform Parliament properly about the impact of the measures proposed”. [HL809]
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