Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 July 1997. It was answered by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 July 1997 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: What is his policy towards the entry of Rwanda into the Commonwealth.

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the entry of Rwanda into the Commonwealth. [10797] Mr. Tony Lloyd: Decisions on membership are taken by Commonwealth Heads of Government on the basis of consensus. The Heads of Government meeting in Edinburgh will consider a report on Commonwealth membership criteria and look at Rwanda's application in the light of this. We believe that among other conditions, it is important for any applicant to the Commonwealth to have had a former constitutional link with a Commonwealth country and to comply with the Harare declaration on human rights and democracy.

Secondary information