Written question asked by John McDonnell (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 May 2000. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 May 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of the Gambia with regard to the recent deaths of demonstrators in pro-democracy marches.

Answer: Mr. McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of The Gambia with regard to the recent deaths of demonstrators in pro- democracy marches. [120303] Mr. Hain: The High Commissioner in Banjul called the Secretary of State for the Interior on 11 April to express our concern at the high number of casualties and urged the Government to ensure the security forces exercised maximum restraint and not to fire on demonstrators. He stressed the need to maintain full respect for human rights. On the initiative of the UK, the EU issued a declaration on 17 April seeking assurance from the Government of The Gambia that the incidents leading to these disturbances are dealt with through dialogue and in a peaceful and orderly manner. The President of The Gambia ordered a Commission of Inquiry later that same day. The UK and the EU will continue to urge the Government of The Gambia to restrict the use of force; ensure persons detained as a result of these disturbances enjoy the protection of the law and that their rights are respected and that the inquiry is transparent, independent and free from political interference.

Secondary information