§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has held with the(a) US authorities, (b) French authorities and (c) UN about Victor Bout. [174782]
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§ Mr. Rammell[holding answer 20 May 2004]: Sudan's membership of the UN Commission on Human Rights was agreed by the African Group, who put them forward as part of an agreed regional nomination. There was, therefore, no vote on the matter. The Government believe members of the Commission on Human Rights should meet certain minimum standards of behaviour regarding the implementation of human rights in their own countries. We are working with others to identify ways to improve the quality of membership.