Mr. NicholasWinterton asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent contacts his Department has had with other members of the Contact Group about their joint co-operation to secure a peaceful settlement of the Namibia problem; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindWe are in regular touch with the other members about progress towards a settlement and remain ready to contribute in any way we can.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent contacts his Department has had with representatives of the internal political parties in Namibia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindMembers of Her Majesty's embassy in South Africa maintain contact with the internal parties through regular visits to Namibia. The most recent such visits were in October 1983 and this month.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent efforts of the internal political parties in Namibia, by means of a multi-party conference, to determine the future of Namibia by the people of Namibia rather than through the intervention of external powers or the United Nations.
§ Mr. RifkindWe note that the multi-party conference stated on 25 November that Security Council resolution 435 remained the only "concrete independence plan" in existence for Namibia. Security Council resolution 435 has been accepted by all of the parties and offers the best prospect for a peaceful transition to an internationally acceptable independence. We remain committed to early implementation of the United Nations plan.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied that there is no state-approved torture or practice of apartheid in Namibia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindWe are naturally concerned at allegations of torture in Namibia by whomsoever committed. Our views on such practices are well known. We note that the South African authorities have stated they will not hesitate to act against members of the Security Forces who are found guilt of unlawful act of violence, and that there have been a number of court cases involving charges of physical abuse in Namibia. With respect to apartheid practices in Namibia. I refer to the answer given to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 25 January.—[Vol. 52, c.560–61.]
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will invite representatives of the Namibian people to a meeting in London to discuss the present internal situation with the aim of securing progress towards peaceful independence and of seeking positive solutions to the wide range of issues which prevent peaceful independence.
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§ Mr. RifkindMy right hon. and learned Friend has no present plans to do so.