§ Lord Bethellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware that the European Parliament's recent decision to designate 21st March as Afghanistan Day was welcomed by President Reagan in his recent State of the Union message and whether they have themselves made plans to commemorate this occasion.
§ Lord CarringtonHer Majesty's Government welcome the European Parliament's decision to designate 21st March as Afghanistan Day and the support that has been given to it by President Reagan. It is right that on the first day of the Afghan New Year we should 919WA remember the continued suffering of the Afghan people under Soviet occupation. We should also remember the millions of refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries. The recent grant of food aid worth £750,000 will bring the total of British aid to the refugees to £8.7 million since the Soviet invasion. On the occasion of this first Afghanistan Day, the Government have arranged for four representatives of Afghan organisations to come to Britain.
The Prime Minister is to receive a delegation from the Afghan Support Committee to whom she has sent a special message. The Government renew their call for the withdrawal of Soviet troops and for the negotiation of a political settlement in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly.