Written question asked by Ann Clwyd (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 April 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 April 2000. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Monday, 17 April 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, if he will raise the issue of alleged electoral fraud in Peru with the Peruvian Government.

Answer: Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise the issue of alleged electoral fraud in Peru with the Peruvian Government. [118945] Mr. Battle: The UK has played a leading role in calling for higher standards in the electoral process in Peru. We have financed two reports this year which have highlighted the deficiencies, and copies of these reports have been sent to the Peruvian Government as well as being circulated widely internationally. We were instrumental in organising a critical EU statement on 7 April in advance of the vote. On 12 April, after the vote, I issued a statement which was delivered through our Embassy in Lima to the Peruvian President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. In it I suggested a second round was both desirable and sensible in the light of widespread concerns, including that of the two British observers, my right hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge and Chryston (Mr. Clarke) and the hon. Member for East Londonderry (Mr. Ross). Since the declaration of a second round, I have issued a further statement (on 13 April) expressing the hope that the next round will be held in conditions that are free, fair and transparent. We shall be working with our EU colleagues to impress on the Peruvian authorities the need for them to conform to international standards.

Secondary information