HL Deb 17 February 1981 vol 417 c551
Lord Davies of Leek

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether efforts are now being made to improve our diplomatic and commercial relations with Albania and, if so, with what success.

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, as stated by my noble friend Lord Carrington on the 16th May, we have proposed that diplomatic relations should be restored without waiting for a resolution of the financial problems which have so far stood in the way. Regrettably, the Albanians have not agreed, but the offer remains open. Meanwhile we are continuing to pursue a resolution of the financial questions.

Lord Davies of Leek

My Lords, while thanking the noble Earl for that Answer, which I think is a good one in view of the fact that we are trying to abandon the attitudes towards the gold and to the compensation which the International Court of Justice at The Hague believed this country was entitled to when the two cruisers were damaged in the Straits of Corfu, is he now aware that since 1978 there has been a spirit of change in Albania, and that I hope that in that small country of some 2½ million people ultimately we can get a working relationship in which we can learn to trust each other for the betterment of the Mediterranean area?

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, the compliance by Albania with the 1949 judgment of the International Court of Justice would help, but there are a number of claims upon the gold. There are two other members of the Commission involved and the solution of the problems does not therefore depend on the British Government alone; but I should like to repeat what I said in my original Answer, that the offer to the Albanians is still on the table.

Lord Goronwy-Roberts

My Lords, can the noble Earl say what the status of our diplomatic representation is in Albania at the moment?

The Earl of Avon

My Lords, there is none.

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