Afghanistan (Hansard, 16 December 1987)

§ 20. Mr. Harry Greenway
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implications for the United Kingdom's relations with Afghanistan of the refugee situation in that area.

§ Mr. Eggar
We have voted in favour of successive United Nations general assembly resolutions calling for the early withdrawal of Soviet troops and the restoration of Afghanistan's independence, to enable Afghan refugees to return to their homes in safety and honour.

§ 42. Mr. Fallon
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he plans any new initiative intended to lead to the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afganistan.

§ Mr. Eggar
The European Council has called on the Soviet Union to withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan in 1988 according to a fixed timetable. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister reinforced the message when she met Mr. Gorbachev on 7 December. We will continue to press for withdrawal.
562W

76. Mr. Bruce
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in the light of the recent meeting between the Prime Minister and Mr. Gorbachev, Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue any fresh initiatives to seek the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Eggar
The European Council has called on the Soviet Union to withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan in 1988 according to a fixed timetable. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister reinforced the message when she met Mr. Gorbachev on 7 December. We will continue to press for withdrawal.