§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 28 January,Official Report, column 468, what conclusions his officials have come to about the allegations published in The Independent on 24 January regarding British mercenary involvement in Nagorno-Karabakh; and what action he is taking.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe take seriously the allegation that British citizens and companies are attempting to procure arms and mercenaries for Azerbaijan, and investigations continue. Investigations to date suggest that there may be truth in the allegation that these attemps have been made, but as yet we have no evidence that they have succeeded. If evidence of illegality is found the matter will be put in the hands of the custom or police, as appropriate. We remain committed to supporting the CSCE's voluntary arms embargo.