HC Deb 20 December 1985 vol 89 cc364-5W
Mr. Wheeler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received and what action he is taking about the seizure by the Government of Djibouti of the British owned company CMAO.

Mr. Rifkind

We have been informed of action which the Djibouti port authority proposes to take against the interests of Compagnie Maritime Auxiliaire D'Outre-Mer (CMAO) in Djibouti. It is our understanding that such action does not involve the seizure of the company but concerns the amount of rent to be paid in the future by CMAO under its lease with the port authority.

It is the responsibility of CMAO to take such action to protect its interests as it deems appropirate having regard to the remedies available under local law. But Her Majesty's ambassador has raised the matter with the Government of Djibouti and the relevant authorities; Foreign and Commonwealth officials have also had discussions with officers of CMAO. We are monitoring developments closely.