HC Deb 17 July 1998 vol 316 cc358-9W
Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government have taken over the UNITA office in the United Kingdom to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1127 (1997). [50448]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

UNITA's representative in the United Kingdom conducted UNITA business from his commercial premises in London. Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1127 (1997), Mr. Kandeya was immediately ordered to leave the United Kingdom. He has submitted an application to remain in the United Kingdom which is being considered by the Home Office. Officials have visited Mr. Kandeya's commercial premises and satisfied themselves that there was no sign of any continuing association with UNITA. As far as we are aware, there are no offices or premises being maintained in the United Kingdom under the name of UNITA.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken over the funds and financial resources of UNITA and senior UNITA personnel in the United Kingdom to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1173 (1998). [50449]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

The Government have prepared Orders in Council to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1173, which it expects to be laid before Parliament on 22 July and enter into force on 23 July. When it is passed, the Bank of England will simultaneously write to the relevant UK financial institutions asking them to implement the United Nations' financial sanctions against UNITA.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to prohibit the direct or indirect import from Angola to the United Kingdom of diamonds that are not controlled through the Certificate of Origin regime of the GURN. [50450]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade proposes to amend the Open General Import Licence once the proposed Certificate of Origin Scheme has been finalised by the Angolan Government.

The Government have prepared orders in Council to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1173 which it expects to be laid before Parliament on 22 July and to enter into force on 23 July.