§ 16. Mr. John Smith (Vale of Glamorgan)What discussions he has had with EU member states about Nigeria. [61395]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Tony Lloyd)We have frequent contact with our European Union partners about Nigeria, at all levels. In response to the improved political and economic 671 climate, the EU agreed a new common position on Nigeria on 1 November. That lifts most of the measures that had been in place since 1993. It will be reviewed no later than 1 June 1999, with a view to lifting the sanctions once the democratically elected civilian Government are installed. A copy of the text has been placed in the Library.
§ Mr. SmithI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply. While I recognise the role that Britain has played, and is playing, in ensuring a return to democracy in Nigeria, can he assure the House that he, in conjunction with our European partners, will ensure that the Government do everything they can to make sure that next year's elections in Nigeria are successful?
§ Mr. LloydThere is no doubt that the electoral process, which kicks off this weekend with the local elections, is a seminal moment in the modern history of Nigeria. All Nigeria's friends would recognise that. Britain has been as closely involved as any friendly country, and we have been entirely supportive of the practical steps taken by the Head of State, General Abubakar, in moving his country towards a properly democratically elected Government. We will continue to support that process. Clearly, the House would also expect us to be vigilant to make sure that those who would derail the process are deterred from that. We want a civilian president and a civilian Government.