Written question asked by Jimmy Wray (Labour) on Thursday, 12 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 December 2002. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 December 2002 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with which countries the UK has a border guarantee agreement; what proposals there are to extend these treaties; and what commitments the Government has made to the preservation of democracy in those countries.

Answer: Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which countries the UK has a border guarantee agreement; what proposals there are to extend these treaties; and what commitments the Government have made to the preservation of democracy in those countries. [87371] Mr. Straw: 127 bilateral treaties have been identified which refer to boundaries or borders to which the United Kingdom is or has been a party, concluded with 30 separate bilateral partners. Any obligation to guarantee an international border could only be determined by reference to each individual treaty. We are not aware of any impending treaties containing this provision. The United Kingdom has an historical and abiding interest in the maintenance of internationally- recognised and agreed borders, and is committed to the promotion of democracy and international stability.

Secondary information