Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 3 May 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 May 2011. It was answered by Alistair Burt (Conservative) on Monday, 9 May 2011 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Libya: Diplomatic Relations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent information he has received on the protection of foreign diplomatic missions by the Libyan authorities.

Answer: A mob looted, attacked and burned the British embassy and ambassador's residence in Tripoli on 30 April 2011. The diplomatic premises of France, Italy, Qatar, the US and the UN also suffered damage. The Vienna convention requires the Qadhafi regime to protect diplomatic missions in Tripoli. By failing to do so, that regime has once again breached its international responsibilities and obligations. In response the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has expelled the Libyan ambassador to the UK. The attacks against diplomatic missions will not weaken our resolve to protect the civilian population in Libya.

Secondary information