HC Deb 08 February 1989 vol 146 cc732-3W
23. Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Czechoslovakia about human rights.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. and learned Friend raised these matters in his speech last month at the conclusion of the CSCE follow-up meeting in Vienna. In addition I raised human rights issues with the Czechoslovak ambassador on 31 January.

46. Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made about recent human rights violations in Czechoslovakia.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. and learned Friend raised Czechoslovakia's handling of human rights in my speech last month at the conclusion of the CSCE follow-up meeting in Vienna. I also expressed our concern to the Czechoslovak ambassador on 31 January.

51. Mr. Callaghan

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implementation of international agreements on human rights in Czechoslovakia.

Mr. Waldegrave

There are many shortcomings in Czechoslovakia's implementation of its human rights commitments, especially in the field of freedom of speech and assembly.

54. Mr. Eastham

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to have discussions with the Czech ambassador concerning human rights.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans for discussion with the Czechoslovak ambassador. I saw him on 31 January, and expressed our concern over their handling of human rights.

87. Mr. Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to meet the Czech ambassador; and what matters he will raise.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. and learned Friend has no immediate plans to meet the Czechoslovak ambassador. I saw him on 31 January to thank him for his authorities' co-operation over Semtex. I also expressed our concern over their current handling of human rights.