HL Deb 12 July 2004 vol 663 cc120-1WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government: What representations they are making to the Government of Libya and to international bodies concerning the proposed execution of a Palestinian doctor and five Bulgarian nurses. [HL3573]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean:

I spoke to Libyan Foreign Minister Shalgam on 9 May to express our concern at the verdict. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to Bulgarian Minister Passy immediately after the verdicts were handed down to offer our support. He also spoke to Mr. Shalgam on 25 May raising our concerns.

The European Union Troika met Mr. Shalgam during the Euro Med Ministerial in Dublin on 6 May to highlight the EU's concern at the court's decision and underline that a satisfactory resolution to this case is a factor in the further improvement of Libya's relations with the EU. An EU demarche was made on Libyan Prime Minister Shukri Ghanem in Tripoli on 12 June.

The defendants have signalled that they will appeal the decision. The Government will continue to monitor developments through our Embassy in Tripoli and push for an early hearing.