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Answering member
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Denis MacShane
Type
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MacShane, Denis (22)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will list changes to the English text of the European Constitution that have occurred since the Intergovernmental Conference, broken down by article.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will list changes to the English text of the European Constitution that have occurred since the Intergovernmental Conference, broken down by article.
Asked by
John Hayes
(Conservative)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 December 2004
For answer on
20 December 2004
Answered on
20 December 2004
Mr. Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list changes to the English text of the
European Constitution that have occurred since the Intergovernmental Conference, broken down by article. [204215]
Mr. MacShane: Following the June Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), the draft EU Constitutional Treaty (Command Paper 6289) was
consolidated into a single document and drawn up in all the authentic EU languages. These different versions were scrutinised by
specialist lawyer linguists, as occurs for every EU Treaty, to ensure there were no discrepancies between the different language
versions without making any substantive changes to the text adopted at the IGC. The final text was published as Command Paper 6429.
Listing such discrepancies by article would incur disproportionate cost.
Subjects
Constitutions; Documents; European Union; Languages; European Constitution Treaty; English language; Treaties
Date
20 December 2004
Reference
204215; 428 c1397W;428 c1397-8W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what proportion of Iraq's declaration of the status of its programmes of weapons of mass destruction, provided to the United Nations on 8th December 2002, had been translated up to 19th March 2003; what proportion has been translated to...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what proportion of Iraq's declaration of the status of its programmes of weapons of mass destruction, provided to the United Nations on 8th December 2002, had been translated up to 19th March 2003; what proportion has been translated to...
Asked by
Llew Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 July 2004
For answer on
1 September 2004
Answered on
1 September 2004
Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of Iraq's declaration of the status
of its programmes of weapons of mass destruction, provided to the United Nations on 8 December 2002, had been translated up
to 19 March 2003; what proportion has been translated to date; what plans there are for further translation; what efforts
have been made to verify details of the declaration through the work of the Iraq Survey Group; and what plans he has to make public
all or part of the translated text. [186182]
Mr. MacShane: Translation of the Iraqi declaration was complete by 19 March 2003.
The Iraq Survey Group was not tasked with verifying the December 2002 declaration.
The declaration was required by UN Security Council Resolution 1441. It is for the UN to decide whether to publish any part of the
declaration.
Subjects
Disclosure of information; Chemical and biological warfare; Iraq; Languages; Publications; United Nations; Weapons; Iraq Survey Group
Date
1 September 2004
Reference
424 c683-4W; 186182
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which United Kingdom languages he intends to propose as Union languages under the terms of Article 2 of the European Constitution treaty.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which United Kingdom languages he intends to propose as Union languages under the terms of Article 2 of the European Constitution treaty.
Asked by
Adam Price
(Plaid Cymru)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 July 2004
For answer on
16 July 2004
Answered on
16 July 2004
Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which United Kingdom languages he intends to propose
as Union languages under the terms of Article 2 of the European Constitution treaty. [184755]
Mr. MacShane: There is no provision to nominate Union languages under Article 2 of the European Constitutional Treaty. Article IV-10
paragraph 2 entitles member states to translate the Treaty into languages that are officially recognised in all or part of their
territory, and place a copy of this translation in the archives of the Council. The Government will consider into which languages it
will translate the Treaty nearer the time of the publication of an official version of the Treaty.
Subjects
Constitutions; Convention on the Future of Europe; European Union; Languages; Treaties
Date
16 July 2004
Reference
184755; 423 c1378-9W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will bring forward proposals for recognition of Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic under Article IV of the EU Constitutional Treaty; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will bring forward proposals for recognition of Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic under Article IV of the EU Constitutional Treaty; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Brian Wilson
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 June 2004
For answer on
8 July 2004
Answered on
8 July 2004
Mr. Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will bring forward proposals for recognition of
Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic under Article IV of the EU Constitutional Treaty; and if he will make a statement.
[182315]
Mr. MacShane: Article IV-10 provides a mechanism which enables member states to translate the Treaty into languages that are
officially recognised in all or part of their territory and place a copy of this translation in the archives of the Council. The
Government will consider into which languages they will translate the Treaty nearer the time of the publication of an official
version of the Treaty.
Subjects
Languages; EU action; Irish language; Minority groups; Scots Gaelic language; Welsh language
Date
8 July 2004
Reference
182315; 423 c852W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, where the wording for the new EU constitution will be made available; where the wording for the European Constitution can be found; and if he will make it available (a) on the internet and (b) in every public library.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, where the wording for the new EU constitution will be made available; where the wording for the European Constitution can be found; and if he will make it available (a) on the internet and (b) in every public library.
Asked by
Bill Wiggin
(Conservative)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 June 2004
For answer on
1 July 2004
Answered on
1 July 2004
Mr. Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) where the wording for the new EU constitution
will be made available; [181299] (2) where the wording for the European Constitution can be found; and if he will make it
available (a) on the internet and (b) in every public library. [181456]
Mr. MacShane: CIG 86/04--a provisional consolidated version of the draft Constitutional Treaty--is available on the Britain and the
EU section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website www.europe.gov.uk. I have also placed copies in the Library of the House.
This draft text will now be consolidated into a single document and drawn up in all the authentic EU languages. These will be
scrutinised by specialist lawyer linguists to ensure that there are no discrepancies between the different language versions without
making any substantive changes to the text adopted at the IGC. This is detailed technical work which is likely to take up to four
months to complete. Once this process is complete and it has been signed by Heads of State or Government I will make the official
Treaty available on the internet and place copies in the Library of the House.
Subjects
Access; Disclosure of information; Constitutions; Convention on the Future of Europe; European Union; Languages; Internet; Public libraries; Treaties
Date
1 July 2004
Reference
423 c430W; 181299;181456
House
House of Commons
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on minority and regional languages.
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on minority and regional languages.
Lead member
Brian Wilson
Answering member
Denis MacShane
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Adjournment debates
Subjects
Cultural heritage; Languages; Irish language; Northern Ireland; Minority groups; Scotland; Scots Gaelic language; Wales; Welsh language
Date
8 June 2004
Reference
422 c61-8WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the (a) EU and (b) Turkish Government on language and broadcasting rights in Turkey.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the (a) EU and (b) Turkish Government on language and broadcasting rights in Turkey.
Asked by
Baroness Tonge
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 February 2004
For answer on
5 March 2004
Answered on
5 March 2004
Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the (a) EU
and (b) Turkish Government on language and broadcasting rights in Turkey. [158302]
Mr. MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary frequently discusses this issue at the European Councils--the Council
Conclusions in December referred to the need for further efforts regarding cultural rights. Our strong support for Turkey's EU
candidature means we are always looking for ways to help Turkey meet the Copenhagen political criteria, which include cultural
rights. The Foreign Secretary reiterated our position during his visit to Istanbul on 3 March.
During my visit to Turkey in January this year, I raised the need for prompt implementation of all reforms with ambassador Sungar,
Head of the European Secretariat General and Foreign Minister Gul. At official level, monthly EU working groups discuss progress on
reforms, including those mentioned by the hon. Member. Officials in the British embassy in Turkey follow the situation closely by
means of their contacts with all levels of Turkish civil society and Government.
Subjects
Broadcasting; Broadcasting programmes; Culture; Languages; Freedom of expression; Turkey; International broadcasting
Date
5 March 2004
Reference
158302; 418 c1192W;418 c1209W
House
House of Commons
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Leyla Zana
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Leyla Zana
Lead member
Ann Clwyd
Answering member
Denis MacShane
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Adjournment debates
Subjects
Administration of justice; Human rights; EU accession; Languages; Prisoners; Members; Political prisoners; Trials; Turkey; Kurds; Zana, Leyla
Date
15 July 2003
Reference
409 c51-7WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for Turkish Cypriot EU citizens applying for jobs with the EU Commission, in the event of Turkish not being an official language of the EU; and if he will make a...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for Turkish Cypriot EU citizens applying for jobs with the EU Commission, in the event of Turkish not being an official language of the EU; and if he will make a...
Asked by
Andrew Dismore
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 June 2003
For answer on
8 July 2003
Answered on
8 July 2003
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for
Turkish Cypriot EU citizens applying for jobs with the EU Commission, in the event of Turkish not being an official language of the
EU; and if he will make a statement. [R] [123164]
Mr. MacShane: The Republic of Cyprus has specified to the EU that its official language is Greek. Any Cypriot citizen applying for
jobs within the Commission would have to work with the official languages of the Union.
In the event of a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the UN plan and consequent EU membership by a reunited Cyprus, it is
likely that Turkish would become an official language of the EU. In that way, the current anomalous situation would be resolved.
We are urging both sides to resume negotiations and commit to securing a settlement on the basis of the UN plan.
Subjects
Cyprus; EU accession; EU enlargement; Languages; Greece; Recruitment; Nationality; Turkey; European Commission
Date
8 July 2003
Reference
123164; 408 c745W;408 c742-3W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the EU concerning the adoption of Turkish as an official EU language; and if he will make a statement; whether Turkish will be an official language of the EU after Turkey accedes to...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the EU concerning the adoption of Turkish as an official EU language; and if he will make a statement; whether Turkish will be an official language of the EU after Turkey accedes to...
Asked by
Andrew Dismore
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 June 2003
For answer on
3 July 2003
Answered on
3 July 2003
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the EU
concerning the adoption of Turkish as an official EU language; and if he will make a statement; [R] [123207]
(2) whether Turkish will be an official language of the EU after Turkey accedes to the EU; and if he will make a statement. [R]
[123208]
Mr. MacShane: The UK strongly supports Turkey's EU candidacy. Whether Turkish would become an official language of the EU after
Turkey's accession would depend on the terms under which Turkey acceded.
Subjects
EU enlargement; Languages; EU action; Turkey
Date
3 July 2003
Reference
408 c454W; 123207;123208
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Turkish authorities in respect of their undertaking to ensure that Kurds in Turkey gain full political and social rights, including the right to learn and study the Kurdish language, by 2004.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Turkish authorities in respect of their undertaking to ensure that Kurds in Turkey gain full political and social rights, including the right to learn and study the Kurdish language, by 2004.
Asked by
Simon Thomas
(Plaid Cymru)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 May 2003
For answer on
4 June 2003
Answered on
4 June 2003
Mr. Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Turkish
authorities in respect of their undertaking to ensure that Kurds in Turkey gain full political and social rights, including the
right to learn and study the Kurdish language, by 2004. [115037]
Mr. MacShane:: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary periodically discusses a range of issues with senior members of the
Turkish Government, including progress in ensuring the rights of minorities in Turkey.
Her Majesty's Government welcomes recent Turkish reforms which allow for the teaching in private schools and public broadcasting of
minority languages, including Kurdish, but remains concerned that such provisions are limited in scope and that significant
obstacles stand in the way of their effective implementation.
Subjects
Education; Human rights; Languages; Ethnic groups; Turkey; Kurds
Date
4 June 2003
Reference
115037; 406 c440-1W;406 c441W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what funding he has made available to London Underground Limited to display multi-lingual poetry to mark the thirtieth anniversary of United Kingdom accession to the European Community. - Includes figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what funding he has made available to London Underground Limited to display multi-lingual poetry to mark the thirtieth anniversary of United Kingdom accession to the European Community. - Includes figures.
Asked by
Austin Mitchell
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 February 2003
For answer on
25 February 2003
Answered on
25 February 2003
Mr. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding he has made available to London
Underground Limited to display multi-lingual poetry to mark the 30th anniversary of United Kingdom accession to the European
Community. [98475]
Mr. MacShane: A total of £15,000 was made available to cover: design and production of nine different bilingual posters; 2,000
advertising spaces in carriages for a period of eight weeks, and the design and production of 5,000 booklets containing 25 poems
representing all 15 member states.
Subjects
Finance; Languages; London Underground; Underground railways; Poetry
Date
25 February 2003
Reference
98475; 400 c432W;400 c426W
House
House of Commons
Statement on what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held on 9th December; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.
Statement on what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held on 9th December; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Jim Hood
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 December 2002
For answer on
17 December 2002
Answered on
17 December 2002
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council
held on 9th December; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a
statement. [86925]
Mr. MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations
Council in Brussels on December 9 and 10. Conclusions were agreed by consensus and no formal votes were taken.
General Affairs Session
Progress of work in other Council Configurations
The Council took stock of proceedings in other Council settings on the basis of the customary Presidency report. Regarding Justice
and Home Affairs, particular attention was drawn to the Council's approval on 28 and 29 November of four negotiating mandates on
readmission agreements with Albania, Algeria, China and Turkey and the EU Plan for Return to Afghanistan. The ECOFIN Council's
approval of the 2003 draft budget was also highlighted.
Preparation for the European Council in Copenhagen
Enlargement
The Council discussed the way forward for concluding accession negotiations with the candidate countries at the Copenhagen European
Council on 12 and 13 December. The Presidency presented the results of informal consultations with the candidate countries, which,
aided by the Commission, had led to `packages' being put together for each country. The Council decided that negotiating issues
concerning the global amount (including the financial consequences of the agricultural quota proposals) as well as the question of
direct income support in agriculture, be submitted to the European Council in Copenhagen, with a view to finalising the Union
position. Solutions proposed by the Presidency on all other matters were accepted by the Council. Member states considered the
Presidency's offer extremely generous and noted that the Council could go no further.
Use of languages in an enlarged Union
The Council noted a Presidency report on the use of languages in the Council, in the context of an enlarged Union. The Council
agreed that the report would be forwarded to the European Council in Copenhagen and that work would continue on the basis of the
conclusions set out by the Presidency in the report.
Annotated draft agenda of the European Council
The European Council will focus on two items: enlargement (the completion of the first stage of the enlargement process and the
conclusion of negotiations with ten candidate countries; the adoption of an enhanced accession strategy for Bulgaria and Romania
including revised roadmaps and increased pre-accession assistance; and the next steps concerning Turkey's candidature); and the
functioning of the Council in view of enlargement (with a discussion on the initial report by the Danish Presidency on the
Presidency of the Council).
Kaliningrad
The Council adopted conclusions on Kaliningrad, as a follow-up to the EU/ Russia Summit of 11 November 2002. The Council reiterated
its commitment to adopting necessary steps to implement the new arrangement on the Facilitated Transit Document (FTD) and the
Facilitated Rail Transit Document (FRTD) before the signature of the Accession Treaty. This will be decided and developed in close
consultation with Lithuania. The EU stands ready to provide financial assistance to Lithuania to cover additional costs of
implementing the measures.
Turkey
Ministers discussed the next steps of Turkey's candidature for membership over dinner, noting the new government's orientation and
reform agenda, taking into account the Copenhagen criteria. Annual operational programme of Council activities
The Council discussed its draft operation programme for 2003, submitted jointly by the forthcoming Greek and Italian presidencies
and contributed to by the Commission and European Parliament. The programme comes as a result of measures decided at the Seville
European Council to improving the efficient functioning of the Council. Member states broadly welcomed the new initiative which
identifies the following priority areas: enlargement and reform; reinvigorating Europe's economy; social cohesion while promoting
sustainable development; and developing the European areas of freedom, security and justice.
Inter-Institutional Agreement on better regulation
The Council noted the Presidency's report on the state of negotiations between the Council, Commission and European Parliament, on
an Inter-Institutional Agreement to improve the quality of Community legislation. (Issues addressed include improved co- ordination
of the legislative processes, better programming regarding co-decision, greater transparency and publicity of work and the
exploration of alternative instruments such as co-regulation and self-regulation by economic operators, social partners, NGOs and
European associations.)
So far, a broad common approach on the main parts of the Agreement has emerged. Work will continue at a technical level on other
areas. The Greek presidency has been tasked with pursuing negotiations with a view to concluding the Agreement as soon as possible.
External Relations Session
Middle East
SG/HR Solana and Commissioner Patten briefed the Council on the current Middle East situation in advance of ministerial discussion
at both the Copenhagen European Council and the `Quartet' meeting in Washington on 20 December.
Western Balkans
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
The Council welcomed recent progress on the draft Constitutional Charter and looked forward to early parliamentary approval. It
registered concern at the outcome of the Serbian Presidential elections on 8 December and requested that the matter be resolved by
all parties, constitutionally, transparently and democratically, safeguarding institutional stability and continued reform.
FRY/Kosovo
The Council welcomed the extension of UNMIK's direct administrative authority to Northern Mitrovica and commended the UN's Special
Representative, Michael Steiner, and the Belgrade authorities for their efforts in achieving this encouraging result.
Arms sales
The Council reiterated its grave concern regarding arms sales that breached UN sanctions. It requested speedy and effective
investigation into these matters and that responsible parties be brought to account. The Council reaffirmed the crucial importance
it attaches to maintaining civilian control of military operations and urged all countries concerned to implement decisive legal and
administrative measures to this effect.
London conference on organised crime
The Council welcomed the successful conference of 25 November, fully supported the priority actions identified by the conference and
called for urgent implementation of the commitments subscribed to. The Council will draw on the Stabilisation and Association
Process review mechanism and a wide range of regional initiatives to follow up on its commitments.
Afghanistan
Following discussion and briefing on the Petersberg conference, the Council adopted conclusions. These reiterated the Council's
strong commitment to contributing to the full implementation of the Bonn Agreement and outlined existing challenges. Security
continues to be a priority concern; the Council commended the `Decree on the National Army' issued by the Afghan Transitional
Authority (ATA). It also welcomed the declaration `Rebuilding Peace in Afghanistan' adopted at the Petersberg conference on 2
December, and reiterated the importance of democratic values, pluralism and respect for human rights. It restated its commitment to
working with other international bodies to eliminate the opium trade.
Migration and development
Commissioner Patten presented the Commission's communication on integrating migration issues in the EU's external relations
policies, as a follow-up to the Seville European Council decisions. The Communication consists of an analysis of migration and
development issues generally, and a report on the effectiveness of financial resources available at Community level. The Commission
proposed that migration issues should be more adequately integrated into existing external relations policy and that supplementary
financial effort should be made to accommodate this. COREPER has been tasked to examine the Communication and prepare a substantive
debate for the Council early next year.
EU/ Africa relations
Ministers discussed EU/ Africa relations and, in particular, preparations for the next EU/Africa Summit due to take place in Spring
2003, over dinner. The troika will visit Africa to discuss further.
Cyprus
Ministers assessed the current state of play in negotiations on the UN Secretary General's settlement plan for Cyprus.
ESDP
The Council discussed EU/Nato relations and mandated SG/HR Solana to forward to NATO the text on the implementation of the Nice
provisions, agreed at the Brussels European Council on 24 and 25 October. The Council also noted a draft Presidency report.
Greenland: fisheries
The Council heard a Commission presentation on the mid-term review of the fisheries protocol between the EU and Greenland. The
Council noted that a decision on the proposals to adjust the protocol in the short term and to secure political commitment between
the EU, Greenland and Denmark must be reached by the end of February 2003.
AOB: WHO
The Belgian delegation informed the Council of Dr. Peter Piot's (current Executive Director of UN AIDS programme) candidature for
the position of Director General of the World Health Organisation.
Items approved without debate
EUPM
The Council noted that in less than a month the EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina will undertake its first crisis
management operation under ESDP and welcomed the double-hatting of the High Representative as EU Special Representative and his role
in the EUPM chain of command. The UN Security Council has welcomed EUPM's succession to the UN's International Police Task Force in
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
European Union Special Representatives
The Council extended the mandates of the five existing special representatives in the Middle East, African Great Lakes, Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Afghanistan and Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, until June 2003.
Cuba: 12th evaluation of common position
The Council acknowledged the continuation of an open and constructive dialogue with Cuba on all issues of common interest. The
Council noted that the Cuban Government had made no significant steps towards meeting the aims of the Common Position since the
previous evaluation. EU policy objectives toward Cuba will remain encouraging Cuba's transition to a pluralistic and democratic
system, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, lasting economic recovery and an improvement in the living standards of
the population. The Council also strongly urged the Cuban Government to ratify the UN Covenants on Political and Civil Rights, and
those on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Colombia
The Council welcomed President Uribe's efforts to reform his country's institutions and to develop a fully functioning democratic
state throughout Colombia, based on respect for human rights and the welfare and safety of all its citizens. The Council reiterated
its support for seeking a negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia and expressed the EU's readiness to assist in these areas.
It expressed deep concern at the deterioration of human rights in the country and urged the Colombian Government to take effective
action against impunity and collusion.
Restrictive measures against Somalia
The Council adopted a Common Position concerning restrictive measures against Somalia, prohibiting the sale or supply of arms and
related material to Somalia by the member states. Technical, financial or other advice related to military activity is also
prohibited. Mano River Union Region
The Council noted that despite significant recent progress towards peace, democracy and reconciliation in Sierra Leone, instability
in the sub-region is still of grave concern. The current situation in Liberia threatens the stability of the sub-region.
The Council welcomes the regional peace process within the Mano River Union framework, facilitated by Morocco, but regrets that
progress achieved so far is limited. The Council also welcomes the strengthening of the EU's political dialogue with the countries
of the Mano River Union, through the appointment of its Special Representative in 2001. The EU is one of the key development
partners for the region. Its main objective in the region is to contribute strategically to peace, security and stability as
preconditions for sustainable development.
Ukraine--common strategy
The Council approved a report on the implementation of the Common Strategy on Ukraine, adopted in December 1999. The report
addresses the main objectives of the EU's policy toward Ukraine as set out in the Common Strategy.
European Union's activities in the Fight against terrorism
The Council took stock of a Presidency report on the EU's anti-terrorism activities and directed its competent bodies to bring
forward work on the report's recommendations. The main areas covered include: enhancing justice, security and protection of EU
citizens; the fight against the financing of terrorism; and the EU's external action in the fight against terrorism.
EU-Canada Summit
The Council took stock of preparations for the Summit to be held on 19 December, in Ottawa.
Subjects
Bulgaria; Arms trade; Cyprus; Africa; Fisheries; EU law; EU enlargement; Languages; EU action; EU common foreign and security policy; Organised crime; EU external relations; EU defence policy; Colombia; Cuba; Somalia; Middle East; Ukraine; Migration; Terrorism; Romania; UN resolutions; Sanctions; Balkans; Afghanistan; Russia; Turkey; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council; Greenland; West Africa
Date
17 December 2002
Reference
396 c756-61W; 86925
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when she will recognise the Cornish language under the European Charter for Minority and Regional Languages. - Including ref to 5 November 2002, 392 c194-5W.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when she will recognise the Cornish language under the European Charter for Minority and Regional Languages. - Including ref to 5 November 2002, 392 c194-5W.
Asked by
Simon Thomas
(Plaid Cymru)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 October 2002
For answer on
5 November 2002
Answered on
5 November 2002
Mr. Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will recognise the Cornish language under the
European Charter for Minority and Regional Languages. [77398]
Mr. MacShane: I have been asked to reply.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Minister for Local Government and the Regions today (UIN
79871).
Subjects
Cornish language; Languages; Minority groups; European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
Date
5 November 2002
Reference
77398; 392 c180W;392 c192W
House
House of Commons
Statement on when the Government will submit its first report on implementation of the Council of Europe Charter for regional or minority languages.
Statement on when the Government will submit its first report on implementation of the Council of Europe Charter for regional or minority languages.
Asked by
Geraldine Smith
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 July 2002
For answer on
10 July 2002
Answered on
10 July 2002
Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Government will submit its first report
on implementation of the Council of Europe Charter for regional or minority languages. [69419]
Mr. MacShane: I am pleased to announce that the report was submitted to the Council of Europe on 1 July. The report details the
measures taken by the Government and the devolved Administrations to fulfil the UK's obligations under the Charter for Welsh,
Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Scots and Ulster-Scots. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.
Subjects
Languages; Minority groups; European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
Date
10 July 2002
Reference
69419; 388 c1022W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 22nd October 2001, 373 c19W, on the BBC World Service, what extra funding has been given to regional language services to the Muslim world; and what further action he proposes to take in relation...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 22nd October 2001, 373 c19W, on the BBC World Service, what extra funding has been given to regional language services to the Muslim world; and what further action he proposes to take in relation...
Asked by
Tam Dalyell
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 June 2002
For answer on
17 June 2002
Answered on
17 June 2002
Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 22 October 2001, Official
Report, column 19W, on the BBC World Service, what extra funding has been given to regional language services to the Muslim world;
and what further action he proposes to take in relation to such services. [62170]
Mr. MacShane: We have provided the World Service with an extra £2.85 million for the enhancement of regional language services after
11 September 2001. This is additional to an uplift of £64 million in funding for the World Service for the present Spending Review
period. The uplift over the baseline in this FY alone is £24 million. We maintain constant contact with the World Service over a
range of issues, including funding.
Subjects
Broadcasting; Finance; Languages; Muslims; Islam; BBC World Service
Date
17 June 2002
Reference
62170; 387 c7W
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Broadcasting; Broadcasting programmes; Languages; Standards; BBC World Service
Date
14 May 2002
Reference
385 c631
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what level of scrutiny was conducted in relation to the assessment of (a) Ulster Scots, (b) Lallands, (c) Northern Irish Gaelic and (d) Cornish before considering whether each should be specified by the Government under the provisions of the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what level of scrutiny was conducted in relation to the assessment of (a) Ulster Scots, (b) Lallands, (c) Northern Irish Gaelic and (d) Cornish before considering whether each should be specified by the Government under the provisions of the...
Asked by
Andrew George
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 March 2002
For answer on
19 March 2002
Answered on
19 March 2002
Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what level of scrutiny was conducted in relation
to the assessment of (a) Ulster Scots, (b) Lallands, (c) Northern Irish Gaelic and (d) Cornish before considering whether each
should be specified by the Government under the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. [44242]
Mr. MacShane: The Charter does not set out what, if any, kind of scrutiny should be undertaken before specifying a language under
its provisions. In the case of the UK, HMG has taken advice from the relevant Administrations of the UK on which languages to
specify.
(a) Scots has had a presence in the island of Ireland for approximately four centuries. Ulster Scots ("Ullans") is defined in the
North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) Northern Ireland Order 1999 as "the variety of the Scots language traditionally
found in parts of Northern Ireland and Donegal". Ministers decided that this qualified it for specification under the terms of the
Charter.
(b) The Scots language has a long history and many points of difference from standard English. In the light of these considerations,
Ministers decided that it should be considered a language and thus be covered by Part II of the Charter.
(c) Irish (Gaeilge) has been spoken throughout the island of Ireland for at least two millennia. The 1991 Census identified 142,003
people in Northern Ireland (9.4 per cent. of the population) who claimed competence in the language. Ministers decided that this
qualified it for specification under the terms of the Charter.
(d) The Government office for the south-west commissioned an independent study in order to provide a sound factual basis for
informing HMG's on-going assessment of its position on Cornish in relation to the Charter.
Subjects
Cornish language; Languages; EU action; Irish language; Minority groups; Ulster Scots language; European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
Date
19 March 2002
Reference
44242; 382 c195W;382 c193W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what requests the British Council have received to increase the provision of English teaching in Senegal since 1997; and what response the Government has made. - Inc figure.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what requests the British Council have received to increase the provision of English teaching in Senegal since 1997; and what response the Government has made. - Inc figure.
Asked by
David S Borrow
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 February 2002
For answer on
13 February 2002
Answered on
13 February 2002
Mr. Borrow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what requests the British Council have received to
increase the provision of English teaching in Senegal since 1997; and what response the Government have made. [35014]
Mr. MacShane: The British Council has provided English language training for approximately 300 Senegalese schoolteachers for each of
the past three years. This followed a request for increased training from the Senegalese Ministry of Education. The council has also
provided training requested by the Ministry of Finance and the Senegalese Youth Council. An English language training centre was
established in Dakar in 1997. The centre provides a high quality training programme to fee-paying students.
The British Council also works in partnership with the BBC and four local radio stations to sponsor the transmission of BBC English
in four major cities outside Dakar.
There is substantial demand for English Language Teaching throughout Francophone Africa. The British Council is examining how this
demand might be met with the resources available to it.
Subjects
Education; Languages; English language; Teachers; British Council; Senegal
Date
13 February 2002
Reference
35014; 380 c431W;380 c433W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assistance his Department is providing for English language teaching in Mongolia.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assistance his Department is providing for English language teaching in Mongolia.
Asked by
Peter Luff
(Conservative)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 November 2001
For answer on
27 November 2001
Answered on
27 November 2001
Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his Department is providing for English
language teaching in Mongolia. [17459]
Mr. MacShane: My Department has focused its English language teaching efforts on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since we judge
that greater competence there has a valuable multiplier effect in enabling Mongolia to interact with the international community
more effectively in a wide range of areas. We are supporting programmes in English for special purposes; communication and
presentation skills; and interpreting skills.
We also provide support through our embassy for 10 Department for International Development-funded VSO volunteers working on English
language teaching for secondary school teachers.
Subjects
Education; Languages; English language; Teachers; Mongolia
Date
27 November 2001
Reference
375 c806-7W; 17459
House
House of Commons