HC Deb 13 March 1991 vol 187 cc942-4
24. Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any plans to visit Cambodia to discuss the political situation in that country.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so.

Mr. Wareing

Is not it disgraceful that no Minister has visited Phnom Penh to discuss with the Government—who are at least in control in the capital of Cambodia—the position in that country? Does not that give a wrong message to the Khmer Rouge that the Government are still soft on Pol Pot? Should not we make a clear declaration to the world that we are not on the side of terrorism, whether in Iraq or Cambodia?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

This Government are not soft on Pol Pot, whom we condemn unhesitatingly. The way forward is through a comprehensive political settlement that has been endorsed by all the parties and by the United Nations. That is the way forward, and that is what should be impressed on the Phnom Penh regime.