§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what diplomatic arrangements are in hand for the protection of British citizens in Afghanistan.
§ Mr. MaudeAs I explained in answer to a similar question on 13 November 1989, we have temporarily withdrawn our embassy staff from Kabul, and, therefore, we are not able to offer consular assistance to British nationals in Afghanistan.
§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to re-establish Her Majesty's ambassador in Afghanistan.
§ Mr. MaudeHer Majesty's ambassador was withdrawn in 1980 following the Soviet invasion. There are no plans to appoint a new ambassador.
§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries have reopened their embassies in Afghanistan.
§ Mr. MaudeNone of the Western Governments who withdrew their diplomatic staff from Kabul early last year has returned them, although we understand that the French Government have now decided in principle to do so.