Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2006.

Libya: Gaddafi Development Foundation

Question: Whether the Gaddafi Development Foundation is sufficiently independent to qualify as a monitoring body in relation to the memorandum of understanding signed with Libya.

Answer: The Government believe that the Gaddafi Development Foundation (GDF) will carry out its functions as a monitoring body independently and effectively. Both the Libyan and British Governments have undertaken to support the monitoring body's full and unrestricted implementation of its terms of reference. The GDF is the largest and most experienced non-governmental organisation in Libya. It has been operating since 1998. It frequently adopts public positions which are distinct from those of the Libyan authorities; for example, in its work on the case of the Bulgarian and Palestinian medical staff accused in 1999 of deliberately spreading HIV in a children's hospital in Benghazi. The British Government have undertaken to provide capacity building assistance which the GDF may request in preparation for carrying out its monitoring role. The GDF has so far identified a need for training in forensic medicine and on the application of international human rights law. The Government are making arrangements for such training to take place.

Secondary information