HC Deb 12 April 1994 vol 241 cc22-3W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government will make to the Moroccan Government to urge them to continue the United Nations-sponsored dialogue begun on 17 July 1993.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We will continue to support the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General in the implementation of the United Nations settlement plan.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Moroccan Government concerning the disappearance of Saharawi people in the Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We were pleased to note the appointment of a Minister for Human Rights in Morocco last November. The Moroccan Government are aware of the importance we attach to human rights and we, together with our European Union partners, will urge them to continue the process of reform.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money Her Majesty's Government have spent financing the United Nations monitoring organisation MINURSO—the mission for the referendum in Western Sahara; and what benefits this has brought to United Kingdom taxpayers.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The United Kingdom has paid $8,265,226—£5.5 million—in United Nations-assessed contributions to MINURSO since the operation began in September 1991. In addition, the costs of the United Kingdom military contribution, withdrawn in October 1993, were: financial year 1991–92: £71,600; financial year 1992–93: £815,000; financial year 1993–94: £310,000.

A solution to the conflict in Western Sahara would enhance stability in the region, ease humanitarian suffering and offer potential international trade opportunities. All parties regard MINURSO's presence as instrumental to achieving an eventual settlement, hence the participation in the operation of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Venezuela and, until the United Kingdom withdrawal, all five permanent members of the Security Council.

United Nations peacekeeping is an international obligation of member states, and is resourced according to internationally recognised criteria based upon national income.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what pressure Her Majesty's Government have put on the Moroccan Government since the ceasefire on 6 September.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Moroccan Government are aware of our wish to see progress towards the implementation of the United Nations settlement plan. We will maintain our position of strict neutrality in the dispute and continue to support the United Nations Secretary-General in his efforts to resolve outstanding problems, particularly those concerning identification and registration of those eligible to vote in the referendum.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government will be making to the Moroccan Government during the forthcoming signing of the GATT agreement concerning the abuse of human rights.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

None.