HC Deb 28 May 1982 vol 24 c429W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the European Economic Community ministerial council resolutions critical of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics' invasion of Afghanistan indicating whether any member State abstained or voted against any of them on the grounds of neutrality.

Mr. Hurd

The Heads of State and Government and the Foreign Ministers have made the following statements on the Soviet invasion and occupation of Afghanistan.

  • 15 January 1980—Statement by Foreign Ministers of the Nine.
  • 19 February 1980—Statement by Foreign Ministers of the Nine.
  • 28 April 1980—Statement by the European Council.
  • 13 June 1980—Statement by the European Council.
  • 24 March 1980—Statement by the European Council.
  • 30 June 1980—Statement by the European Council.
  • 27 November 1981—Statement by the European Council.
  • 30 March 1982—Statement by the European Council.

All these statements were agreed by consensus in political co-operation.

In addition, on 15 January 1980, the Foreign Affairs Council decided in support of the United States grain embargo on the USSR, that agricultural products from the Community should not directly or indirectly take the place of United States products on the Soviet market. This decision was also taken by consensus.