§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice his Department gives to British travellers to Nepal on the Government's policy towards(a) the Government of Nepal and (b) Maoist rebels against the Government of Nepal. [160178]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienForeign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advice does not contain statements of Government policy towards a particular country. FCO Travel Advice is available on the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk or it can be obtained by calling 0870 606 0290.
1438WThe FCO produces Travel Advice on 217 countries, including Nepal, which aims to ensure that British travellers are well prepared before their departure. This travel advice takes account of the on-going conflict between the government of Nepal and the Maoist insurgents.
§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what statements have been made by his Department on the Government's policy on the Maoist rebellion in Nepal in the last two years. [160179]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI refer the hon. Member to my statement in the House on Nepal on 19 June 2002,Official Report, columns 114–17WH, and to the statement I made at the Nepal International Support meeting in Nepal on 11 October 2002, a copy of which I will place in the Library of the House. On 22 October 2003 I released a press statement in relation to the British Gurkha Nepal team temporarily abducted by Maoist forces. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary released a press statement on 28 August 2003 about the breakdown of the cease-fire in Nepal. Copies of both press statements are available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/policy/news/press-releases.