HL Deb 16 July 1991 vol 531 cc97-9

2.47 p.m.

The Earl of Shannon asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received any response to their representations to the Government of the Soviet Union regarding the reported violations of human rights in Armenia and in particular the results of the promised personal inquiry by Marshal Yazov into the alleged active support by the Soviet army of i he Azerbaijani OMON militia in committing atrocities.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The Earl of Caithness)

My Lords, the Soviet authorities have assured us that they are committed to a political solution to the dispute. We have no information about a promised personal inquiry by Marshal Yazov.

The Earl of Shannon

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for that reply. Has he or his department not read the report of the delegation headed by the noble Baroness, Lady Cox? It was quite clearly stated to the delegation that Soviet forces were being used in support of the local OMON militia and the marshal promised a personal inquiry into these matters.

The Earl of Caithness

Indeed, my Lords, we have seen tile report prepared by my noble friend Lady Cox. She is back in that part of the world at the moment. It has been discussed with her by the Foreign Office and I have answered a Question in this House put by her on the subject.

The Earl of Shannon

My Lords, did the Minister's department not see in the report that Marshal Yazov had said that he would conduct a personal inquiry? Has the department read the report?

The Earl of Caithness

Most certainly, my Lords, but we have no official confirmation that Marshal Yazov is to conduct that inquiry.

Lori Richard

My Lords, are the Government aware that the issue has caused a great deal of anxiety in all parts of the House and in many parts of the country? As President Gorbachev happens to be in the country at the moment, can the Government say whether this type of issue is one which might sneak itself into the talks between the president and the other leaders?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I agree with the noble Lord that this is a most serious matter, as the House has registered on more than one occasion. Alas, Mr. Gorbachev is not in the country at the moment but he is due this evening. Many things will be discussed with him. The visit is a good occasion to bring to the fore again the whole question of human rights in the Soviet Union.

Lord Richard

My Lords, it is always a pleasure to acknowledge that the Government are occasionally right.

The Earl of Shannon

My Lords, will Her Majesty's Government make it perfectly clear when Mr. Gorbachev arrives here this evening, extending his begging bowl to the Western nations, that he will be told to go away with it empty unless he can show why, by the use of his military forces, he is brutalising his own people? He is no better than Saddam Hussein and should be sent away empty-handed.

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, there are many matters to discuss with Mr. Gorbachev when he comes here. This will be a good opportunity to raise the whole question of human rights.

Lord Hylton

My Lords, on a more irenic note, do the Government agree that the concept of autono-mous regions recognised by other states may be useful and helpful in unravelling complex situations such as that in the Caucasus and in other parts of Europe?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, there is a most complicated situation in the Caucasus, as the noble Lord said. It is best solved by a political, not a military, solution and by the people in the area.

Lord Richard

My Lords, I am sorry to rise yet again on this issue. Will the Minister take the opportunity to dissociate himself and the Government from the remarks made by the noble Earl, Lord Shannon, and the tone in which they were made, as well as the comparison which on this side of the House at least we found offensive?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, what the noble Earl says is entirely up to him. He has free privilege to raise matters of that kind. I gave the reply on behalf of the Government.

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

My Lords, is the noble Earl aware that that reply will disappoint many, not only on this side of the House but, I hope, on his side as well? This is a time for building new bridges or rebuilding old ones with the Soviet Union and Eastern bloc countries. It is not a time to insult them. They need all the assistance we can give them. I sincerely hope that the noble Earl will reconsider his reply and go a little further towards meeting the request of my noble friend on the Front Bench.

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I hope that the noble Lord has taken careful note —as I know he will have done—of the way in which I phrased my reply to the noble Earl.

The Earl of Shannon

My Lords, will the noble Earl recognise that within the past two days 48 Armenians have been slaughtered with the approval of the Soviet army? Does that make noble Lords on my right feel happy?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, once again I reaffirm on behalf of the Government that we deplore the situation in that part of the world and hope that it will be resolved by political, not military means.