§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Minister's recent visit to Algeria on behalf of the European Union; and what new initiatives he proposes. [24477]
§ Mr. FatchettThe European Union (EU) Troika visited Algeria on 19 and 20 January in order to open up the current political dialogue between the EU and the Algerian Government; to provide a public demonstration of the European people's sympathy for the suffering of their neighbours in Algeria; to emphasise the EU's condemnation of terrorism and to improve our understanding of the situation in Algeria. The mission made progress in achieving those objectives.
Foreign Minister Attaf agreed in principle to accept my invitation to visit the UK during our Presidency to continue the dialogue. The Troika urged the Algerian Government to be open about the situation in Algeria, and in particular to allow an early visit from the UN Special Rapporteurs. It was disappointing that the Algerian Government have so far been unable to agree to the latter. We agreed with the Algerian Government to increase the number of parliamentary exchanges. The EU' s offer of humanitarian assistance to the Algerian people was not taken up but remains on the table. I will also be reporting to the General Affairs Council who will consider further how the EU might help Algeria.
§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Algerian government to accept initiatives of the international community to end human rights abuses in Algeria. [24442]
§ Mr. FatchettMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary urged Mr. Attaf, the Algerian Foreign Minister, to accept a visit by UN Special Rapporteurs when they spoke on the telephone on 16 January. During the EU Troika mission to Algiers on 20 January, I reinforced that message with Mr. Attaf and Prime Minister Ouyahia.
§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice his Department is giving to the Home Office about the human rights situation in Algeria in relation to people seeking asylum from that country. [24444]
§ Mr. FatchettThe Home Office is familiar with the human rights situation in Algeria and seeks FCO advice in relation to specific circumstances that affect asylum536W applications. That advice covers the internal security situation in particular areas and any threat to particular sectors of society.