Written question asked by Lord Spicer (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 July 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 July 2005. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 18 July 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Israel

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the government of Israel for the release from house arrest of Mordechai Vanunu.

Answer: My right hon. and noble Friend the former Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean) raised our concerns with the Israeli Chargé d'Affaires following Mr. Vanunu's release in April 2004, as did our ambassador in Tel Aviv with the Israeli Government. We have since raised the issue with the Israeli Government on numerous occasionsWe are aware that Mr. Vanunu was indicted on 17 March for violating the terms of his release from prison and that this has resulted in a further year's extension of the restrictions previously imposed on him. We recognise that Israel has a right to protect its national interest but we are concerned that the restrictions may be excessive and punitive. Our embassy in Tel Aviv will continue to monitor his case closely.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 12936; 436 c1372W;436 c1372W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Israel
Wednesday, 20 July 2005
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Vanunu, Mordechai