§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions(a) he, (b) members of his Department and (c) other United Kingdom representatives have (i) had and (ii) sought with (A) members and (B) representatives of the Government of Venezuela concerning the arrest of the Venezuelan National Guard Colonel Orlando Castro: and if he will make a statement. [173814]
§ Mr. RammellWe have neither had nor sought discussions with members or representatives of the Venezuelan Government about this issue.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions(a) he, (b) members of his Department and (c) other United Kingdom representatives have (i) had and (ii) sought with (A) members and (B) representatives of the (1) Government of and (2) the opposition in Venezuela concerning the arrest of 80 Colombian nationals on 9 May; what these individuals are being charged with; and if he will make a statement. [173815]
§ Mr. RammellWe have neither had nor sought discussions with members or representatives of the Venezuelan Government or Opposition about this issue. To date, we are not aware of any charges having been brought against these individuals.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the possibility of a referendum in Venezuela this year. [173816]
§ Mr. RammellThe Venezuelan constitution allows for the possibility of a recall referendum against elected officials, including the President, provided certain conditions are met. It is not yet clear whether these conditions will be met, and therefore not possible to determine if a referendum will take place at this stage.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed Venezuela with his United States counterpart. [173817]
§ Mr. RammellMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has regular discussions with Secretary Powell on a wide range of issues, including Venezuela.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the claims of cross-border activity by the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia in Venezuela; when this assessment was last revised; and if he will make a statement. [173818]
§ Mr. RammellAlleged cross-border activities by the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia and other illegally armed groups are a matter for the Governments of Venezuela and Colombia. The border between the two countries covers more than 2,200 km. It is porous1168W and difficult to secure completely with the resources available. British diplomatic staff in Bogota and Caracas periodically visit the border region.