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Caroline Flint
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Flint, Caroline (12)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 23 March 2009, Official Report, column 21W, whether the President of Belarus will be invited to attend the Eastern Partnership summit in May.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 23 March 2009, Official Report, column 21W, whether the President of Belarus will be invited to attend the Eastern Partnership summit in May.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 March 2009
For answer on
26 March 2009
Answered on
31 March 2009
The issue of whether to invite President Lukashenko to the Eastern Partnership summit in May 2009 has not yet been decided. EU member states will be discussing this issue shortly.
Subjects
EU external relations; Belarus
Date
31 March 2009
Reference
490 c1114W;490 c1110W; 267443
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Belarus.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Belarus.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 March 2009
For answer on
20 March 2009
Answered on
23 March 2009
The full extent of our human rights concerns in Belarus is detailed in the 2008 Human Rights Report, which will be published on 26 March 2009. We remain concerned about the overall human rights situation in Belarus, but small improvements have been made in the areas of media freedom, freedom of assembly, electoral reform and political imprisonment during the six months from October 2008 to April 2008 that the EU suspended travel restrictions to encourage reform.To reflect the mixed progress made by Belarus during this time, the EU has taken the decision to extend the suspension period for a further nine months, and renew the common position (the legal basis for the travel restrictions and an asset freeze) for 12 months. We will take this opportunity to continue to encourage Belarus to make further progress on human rights in order to align itself with EU standards.
Subjects
Human rights; Belarus
Date
23 March 2009
Reference
490 c20-1W; 265589
House
House of Commons
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels. The agenda items covered were as follows: General Affairs Full details of A points adopted at the General Affairs Council can be found at: http://www.consilium. europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/gena/106691.pdf European Economic...
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels. The agenda items covered were as follows: General Affairs Full details of A points adopted at the General Affairs Council can be found at: http://www.consilium. europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/gena/106691.pdf European Economic...
Member
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Access; Armed conflict; Climate change; Broadband; EU action; EU economic policy; Peacekeeping operations; Politics and government; Travel restrictions; USA; Sanctions; Afghanistan; Israel; Sudan; Sri Lanka; Palestine; Middle East; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Peace negotiations; Darfur; EU external relations; Gaza; Non-governmental organisations; EU energy policy; Belarus; Chad; EU presidency; Central African Republic; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council; UN World Conference against Racism; High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Humanitarian situation
Date
20 March 2009
Reference
489 c71-4WS
House
House of Commons
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) will be held on 16 March in Brussels. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I will represent the UK. The agenda items are as follows: General Affairs Preparation of the European Council, 19-20 March The GAERC will discuss the presidency's...
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) will be held on 16 March in Brussels. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I will represent the UK. The agenda items are as follows: General Affairs Preparation of the European Council, 19-20 March The GAERC will discuss the presidency's...
Member
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Arrest warrants; Crimes against humanity; Extradition; Human rights; EU enlargement; EU common foreign and security policy; EU action; International Criminal Court; G8; Peacekeeping operations; Politics and government; Travel restrictions; USA; Afghanistan; Israel; Sudan; Palestine; Middle East; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Peace negotiations; EU external relations; Presidents; Montenegro; Belarus; Chad; EU presidency; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council; High Representative and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina; al-Bashir, Omar
Date
13 March 2009
Reference
489 c34-6WS
House
House of Commons
I met the Prime Minister of Belarus in London on 17 November. I urged the Government to make tangible human rights progress in a number of areas, including greater freedom of the media, engagement with civil society and political opponents of the regime.
I met the Prime Minister of Belarus in London on 17 November. I urged the Government to make tangible human rights progress in a number of areas, including greater freedom of the media, engagement with civil society and political opponents of the regime.
Answered by
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Asked by
Gary Streeter
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
What recent discussions he has had with the Government of Belarus on human rights in that country.
Subjects
Human rights; Belarus
Date
13 January 2009
Reference
486 c118
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
We should remember that while there is, clearly, a long-standing relationship between Belarus and Russia, it is Belarus that has approached the European Union and the Council of Europe, indicating a desire and a wish to have, in future, a good partnership with the west. The country recently received an International Monetary Fund loan, because it faces huge difficulties with its economy. The future is about holding those in Belarus to account, in terms of what we would expect in a good partnership with the European Union. At the same time, we should recognise that Belarus initiated contact with the EU and the west. If that means that we can improve human rights, trade, and so forth, that is a good thing.
We should remember that while there is, clearly, a long-standing relationship between Belarus and Russia, it is Belarus that has approached the European Union and the Council of Europe, indicating a desire and a wish to have, in future, a good partnership with the west. The country recently received an International Monetary Fund loan, because it faces huge difficulties with its economy. The future is about holding those in Belarus to account, in terms of what we would expect in a good partnership with the European Union. At the same time, we should recognise that Belarus initiated contact with the EU and the west. If that means that we can improve human rights, trade, and so forth, that is a good thing.
Answered by
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Asked by
Bernard Jenkin
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
To what extent do the Government hold Russia responsible for the state of human rights in Belarus? Is it not interesting that while Ukraine struggles for freedom and democracy, and has its gas supplies cut off, Belarus has free and easy gas supplies from Russia without any agreement whatever?
Subjects
Human rights; Belarus
Date
13 January 2009
Reference
486 c119
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The OSCE election monitors made a number of recommendations, as the hon. Gentleman points out. In my previous answer, I referred to some small progress; for example, there have been no further political prisoners, and the opposition press has been given some limited circulation in Minsk. However, undoubtedly, in the next few months, we would like to see some opportunity for the OSCE recommendations to be fulfilled on the ground, including in relation to freedom of the press, the engagement of the opposition parties, and the ability for people to make their views known, including through demonstrations. Also, we would like an end to use of the law to harass those with different political views from those of the people who run the country. We will continue to press on all those fronts.
The OSCE election monitors made a number of recommendations, as the hon. Gentleman points out. In my previous answer, I referred to some small progress; for example, there have been no further political prisoners, and the opposition press has been given some limited circulation in Minsk. However, undoubtedly, in the next few months, we would like to see some opportunity for the OSCE recommendations to be fulfilled on the ground, including in relation to freedom of the press, the engagement of the opposition parties, and the ability for people to make their views known, including through demonstrations. Also, we would like an end to use of the law to harass those with different political views from those of the people who run the country. We will continue to press on all those fronts.
Answered by
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Asked by
Mark Francois
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
During last September's elections in Belarus, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe provided a team of observers, who concluded in their subsequent report that despite some minor improvements,"““Further substantial efforts are required if Belarus is to conduct genuinely democratic elections in line with OSCE commitments.””"
Does the Minister have any real evidence of progress made by the authorities in Belarus since then—progress that might give us greater confidence that the country is at last moving towards a more pluralistic, democratic model in which we can have some confidence?
Subjects
Human rights; Belarus
Date
13 January 2009
Reference
486 c118-9
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments. I know that he plays an important role in human rights issues. I reaffirm to the House that, although the EU, with the UK's support, has opened up some opportunities, there is a six-month window: come March this year, Foreign Ministers will take a decision on whether some of the opening up and reduction of restrictions should continue. Although some small progress has been made in the past few months in relation to the media and political prisoners, a lot more could be done. It is up to those who run Belarus to make the effort. We shall continue to press, as we have for many years through our mission in Belarus, to support those who want more democratic engagement and freedom of expression.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments. I know that he plays an important role in human rights issues. I reaffirm to the House that, although the EU, with the UK's support, has opened up some opportunities, there is a six-month window: come March this year, Foreign Ministers will take a decision on whether some of the opening up and reduction of restrictions should continue. Although some small progress has been made in the past few months in relation to the media and political prisoners, a lot more could be done. It is up to those who run Belarus to make the effort. We shall continue to press, as we have for many years through our mission in Belarus, to support those who want more democratic engagement and freedom of expression.
Answered by
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Asked by
Gary Streeter
(Conservative)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Oral answers to questions
I am grateful to the Minister for that reply. She will know that, since 1994, that country has been run by an autocratic Soviet-style president, who keeps himself in office by locking up political opponents and rigging elections—[Interruption.]—nothing like this country whatsoever. Given that we are talking about a European country—a country in the centre of Europe—surely the UK and EU can do more to support the movements for change and the opposition in Belarus, and to bring about a peaceable, transforming, democratic revolution in that country.
Subjects
Human rights; Belarus
Date
13 January 2009
Reference
486 c118
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the state of relations between Belarus and the UK; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the state of relations between Belarus and the UK; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Robert Goodwill
(Conservative)
Answered by
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 December 2008
For answer on
13 January 2009
Answered on
13 January 2009
Following the release of three remaining political prisoners in August 2008, the UK supported the EU decision in October to suspend the visa ban for six months to encourage further reforms.We have seen some small improvements—two opposition newspapers are now on sale in small quantities, and an opposition party has been allowed to register with the authorities. However, we continue to encourage the Belarusian Government to take further progress on human rights.
Subjects
Foreign relations; Belarus
Date
13 January 2009
Reference
486 c542-3W; 246499
House
House of Commons
What recent discussions he has had with the Government of Belarus on human rights in that country.
What recent discussions he has had with the Government of Belarus on human rights in that country.
Asked by
Gary Streeter
(Conservative)
Answered by
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
18 December 2008
For answer on
13 January 2009
Answered on
13 January 2009
I met the Prime Minister of Belarus in London on 17 November. I urged the Government to make tangible human rights progress in a number of areas, including greater freedom of the media, engagement with civil society and political opponents of the regime.
Subjects
Human rights; Belarus
Date
13 January 2009
Reference
486 c118; 246476
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg. The agenda items covered were as follows: General Affairs Preparation of the European Council on 15 and 16 October Foreign Ministers discussed the agenda...
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg. The agenda items covered were as follows: General Affairs Preparation of the European Council on 15 and 16 October Foreign Ministers discussed the agenda...
Member
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Elections; EU action; Politics and government; Sanctions; Russia; Zimbabwe; Peace negotiations; EU external relations; EU aid; Georgia; Uzbekistan; Moldova; Belarus; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council
Date
4 November 2008
Reference
482 c16-7WS
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any Ministers or officials plan to meet the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus when he visits the UK in November.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any Ministers or officials plan to meet the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus when he visits the UK in November.
Asked by
Robert Goodwill
(Conservative)
Answered by
Caroline Flint
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 October 2008
For answer on
13 October 2008
Answered on
17 October 2008
At the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 13 October, EU Foreign Ministers agreed to suspend for six months the travel ban against a number of Belarusian figures, including President Lukashenko, and the ban on senior-level political contacts.We are under no illusions that the situation on democracy and human rights remains poor. Wider sanctions were renewed for a further 12 months, and if respect for democracy and human rights does not improve, or worsens, the EU will reimpose the travel ban.The decision was taken because we believe the time is right to re-engage with Belarus, and in recognition of the important step that Belarus has taken in releasing its last remaining political prisoners. Engagement at senior levels will give its leadership the opportunity to hear our message directly. The visit by the Belarusian Prime Minister in November would give us an opportunity to do this, and we are considering appropriate meetings during the course of the visit.
Subjects
Foreign relations; Belarus
Date
17 October 2008
Reference
480 c1594-5W;480 c1584-5W; 226456
House
House of Commons