§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's relations with Belarus. [63134]
§ Ms QuinMinisterial contacts with Belarus were suspended in 1997 by HMG and EU Partners following concerns about a constitutional referendum which failed to meet democratic norms, human rights abuses and lack of press freedom. EU member states have also withdrawn their Ambassadors from Minsk in response to the Belarusian Government's effective exclusion of certain Ambassadors from their residences. HMG are keen not to isolate Belarus. We continue to support the OSCE's Advisory and Monitoring Group's efforts to promote democracy in the country.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about the freedom of individual Belarus MPs to conduct their duties and about their parliamentary immunity; and what representations have been made in this regard to(a) the Belarus President and (b) the OSCE. [63133]
§ Ms QuinWe and the EU regard the 13th Supreme Soviet as the legitimate parliament. It was disbanded following the 1996 constitutional referendum which failed to meet democratic standards. In its place, the National Assembly was appointed which is not genuinely representative. However, National Assembly members are free to conduct their parliamentary duties. Together with our EU partners, HMG have regularly raised their concerns with Belarusian Ministers about the flawed constitutional situation and human rights abuses. The OSCE Advisory and Monitoring Group was set up in Minsk in February 1998. It helps Belarus to promote democracy and comply with OSCE commitments. HMG support its work and receive regular reports from the OSCE and the British Embassy in Minsk on the situation.