§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on changes to his Department's policy and practice on the maintenance of diplomatic representation with de facto Governments, following the deposition of a democratic Government. [51876]
§ Mr. Robin Cook[holding answer 23 July 1998]: The policy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not changed. Since 1980 the practice of the UK has been to recognise states and not governments. We maintain diplomatic representation when it is in the UK interest to do so. The level at which our representation is maintained depends upon the scale of British interests and the political acceptability of the government in power of the state concerned. The deposition of a democratic government does not necessarily bring about the withdrawal of diplomatic representation or a breach in diplomatic relations.