Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 23 April 2012.

Libya

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Howell of Guildford on 21 March (WA 175), after officials visited Benghazi on 25 February and raised the desecration of war graves there with the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Benghazi Chief of Police, for what reasons they were satisfied with assurances given, in the light of further desecration the next day; and why earlier public condemnation was ruled out.

Answer: The first attack took place on 24 February in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery. UK officials took immediate action, raising with the Libyan authorities in Benghazi, and then following up in Tripoli. On 26 February National Transitional Council Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil and Libyan Foreign Minister Ben Khayyal both made public statements condemning the attacks and that these locations should be respected. UK officials immediately raised this again following the news of a further attack on 26 February on the British Military Cemetery. The transitional Government responded by issuing a very clear statement on 28 February, and have been consistently supportive; they were likewise appalled by these crimes, and have taken specific actions to increase security around the sites, including placing a static guard at the gates and ensuring the cemeteries are part of regular police patrols. These attacks appear to have been carried out by extremist individuals. A number of religious sites in Libya have also been attacked since the revolution began, including Islamic sites. UK officials continue to visit the cemeteries on a regular basis and are in close contact with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to facilitate inspections and restorations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16747; 736 c355-6WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Libya
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Damage War graves Libya
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk