§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are discussing the case of Mr Illie Ilascu, imprisoned in Tiraspol since 1992 (Inter-Parliamentary Union Ref. MOL/01) with the relevant authorities both in the Republic of Moldova and inter-governmentally, with particular reference to his state of health and access to him by the International Committee of the Red Cross. [HL1763]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalHer Majesty's Government support the work of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Moldova in monitoring the conditions of detention of Mr Ilascu, and the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross to gain access to Mr Ilascu. Latest reports from the OSCE Mission in Chisinau suggest that Mr Ilascu's health is not currently deteriorating. Her Majesty's Government also support the Council of Europe's efforts to guarantee a fair retrial for Mr Ilascu in a neutral country. Representatives from the Council of Europe met with Mr Ilascu last July. The case is also being examined by the European Court for Human Rights.