Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 28 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 March 2005. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 March 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will propose (a) sanctions and (b) alternative measures to be brought against the Eritrean authorities to prevent the action being taken against Christians in the country.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will propose (a) sanctions and (b) alternative measures to be brought against the Eritrean authorities to prevent the action being taken against Christians in the country. [219722] Mr. Mullin: We do not believe that sanctions are the right way forward. The international community would not support them, and our only direct assistance to Eritrea is humanitarian, which is not subject to conditionality. Reducing humanitarian assistance as a means of addressing religious persecution would only harm the people of Eritrea. We will continue to raise the issue of religious freedom with the Government of Eritrea, both bilaterally and in concert with our EU partners.

Secondary information