Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Thursday, 24 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 November 2005. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Friday, 2 December 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Eritrea

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps he (a) is taking and (b) has taken towards stopping the persecution of Christians in Eritrea;

Answer: We have received various representations, including from members of the public, hon. Members, noble Lords and religious organisations.We raise the issue of religious freedom with the Eritrean Government regularly, both bilaterally and with our European partners.Most recently, my noble Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Africa (Lord Triesman of Tottenham), raised our concerns with the Eritrean ambassador on 28 July and again on 24 October, and in a letter to President Isaias Afwerki on 6 October.

Secondary information