Written question asked by David Atkinson (Conservative) on Monday, 30 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 May 2001. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 10 May 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 3rd April, 366 c132W, on Turkmenistan, if he has received a formal response from the Turkmen authorities concerning the continuing incarceration of Shageldy Atakov; what representations he is making to the Turkmen authorities on this issue; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. David Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 3 April 2001, Official Report, column 132W, on Turkmenistan, if he has received a formal response from the Turkmen authorities concerning the continuing incarceration of Shageldy Atakov; what representations he is making to the Turkmen authorities on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [160144] Mr. Vaz: The British Government, along with their EU Partners, have not yet received a formal response from the Turkmen Foreign Minister concerning the detention of Mr. Atakov. EU Embassies in Ashgabat have requested a further meeting with the Foreign Minister to remind him of our concern. We also raised Mr. Atakov's situation with the Deputy Foreign Minister in April.

Secondary information