§ 16. Mr. Gregoryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics concerning Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.
§ Mr. RifkindWe would like to see a lasting and peaceful settlement in Afghanistan on the basis set out in successive UNGA resolutions. We look to the Soviet Union to open the way to such a settlement by declaring its willingness to withdraw its troops, the presence of whom in this previously independent and non-aligned country remains an affront to international opinion, as well as causing great destruction and suffering to the Afghan people.
441WMy right hon. and learned Friend made our position clear to Mr. Gorbachev during their meeting in London in December, and we will continue to raise this matter in future meetings with Soviet leaders.