§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now open a legation in Yerevan, Armenia, for the protection of British interests.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThere are at present no plans to establish a resident British mission in Yerevan. The pattern of our overseas representation is kept under review. Her Majesty's ambassador in Moscow is accredited to Armenia. He and his staff visit Yerevan regularly.
§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to which location Armenian citizens requiring visas to enter the United Kingdom apply.
§ Mr. BaldryArmenian citizens requiring visas to visit the United Kingdom may apply at any post designated to offer a visa service. Those persons wishing to enter the United Kingdom for some other purpose should apply to the British embassy in Moscow. A list of designated posts is available in the Library of the House.
§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Armenians live in each state of the EU.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThis information is not centrally recorded and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many members of the EU have diplomatic representations with Armenia in Yerevan.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThree—France, Germany and Greece.
§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what he assesses 435W would be the cost of operating an embassy in Armenia by renting premises in Yerevan.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIt is not possible to give a reliable estimate. Much would depend on the number of staff to be accommodated, the functions to be performed, and the size and location of the premises.
§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the balance of trade between the United Kingdom and Armenia in each of the past five years.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe balance of trade between the United Kingdom and Armenia for the year 1993 and from January to August 1994 is shown in the table:
Previously, all United Kingdom trade with Armenia was included in records of UK trade with the Soviet Union.
Exports £000s Imports £000s Crude Balance £000s Jan—dec 1993 5,346 18 +5,328 Jan—aug 1994 3,332 21 +3,311