HC Deb 14 July 1986 vol 101 cc372-3W
Sir Frederic Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if any sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on the Soviet Union following its invasion of Afghanistan in 1980 are still in force.

Mr. Renton

We and our NATO allies continue to restrict military contacts with the Soviet armed forces in order to register our disapproval of the Soviet military occupation of Afghanistan.

Sir Frederic Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of those sanctions imposed on the Soviet Union following its invasion of Afghanistan in 1980 in bringing about the removal of Soviet occupying forces.

Mr. Renton

The measures taken by the United Kingdom, together with our allies and European Community partners, following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan brought home to the Soviet Union our condemnation of Soviet aggression. We shall impress on the Soviet Foreign Minister, Mr. Shevardnadze, during his visit to London the need for early withdrawal of the Soviet occupying forces.

Sir Frederic Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the representations he has received over the past year seeking the imposition of mandatory sanctions on the Soviet Union in the light of its military activities in Afghanistan.

Mr. Renton

I am aware of no such representations.

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