Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Judd (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 9 November 2005.

Russia: Anti-terrorism and North Caucasus

Question: My Lords, does the Minister agree that while it is obviously necessary in security matters to work with all sorts of people, the length of spoon with which one sups is quite important? Is it not essential to remember that we are above all in a battle for hearts and minds if the issue of defeating terrorism and building global security is to be won? While terrible, inexcusable acts have been committed by terrorists in the Caucasus and Chechnya, does the Minister agree that the brutality, the indiscriminate nature and the ruthlessness of the Russians have driven young people, and not only young people, into the arms of the extremists? Is it not therefore essential for us to be very careful in our collaboration with Russia, so that what we are doing is not perceived by many in our own country as something about which they are alarmed?

Answer: My Lords, I acknowledge that my noble friend has a long-standing interest in Chechnya and that he was the special rapporteur on Chechnya for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. He speaks with great authority. We view Russia as an important partner in the international fight against terrorism. Co-operation on counter-terrorism must not be at the expense of losing our interest in human rights concerns and therefore people’s hearts and minds. We have consistently said that any counter-terrorism operation in Chechnya or elsewhere should be in strict adherence to the rule of law and must respect human rights.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 675 c612-3
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Crime prevention Intelligence services Human rights International cooperation Terrorism Russia Chechnya Transcaucasus
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk