§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts his Department has had with organisations within Algeria which campaign for human rights. [35705]
§ Mr. FatchettDuring the EU mission to Algeria in January, my Troika colleagues and I met with the Human Rights Observatory's Director, with whom the British Embassy in Algiers has regular contact. In the course of its operation in Algeria, the Embassy has contact with a number of organisations which work across the spectrum of human rights, including women's issues and counselling for victims of terrorism.
§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent progress has been made towards a peaceful settlement in Algeria. [35709]
§ Mr. FatchettThere have been no large-scale terrorist attacks in Algeria since the end of Ramadan, although sporadic killing continues. Hope for progress towards a peaceful settlement rests with furthering of the democratic process. The Algerian Government have already made some progress in this area, but we believe that the further strengthening of democratic institutions, supported by increased transparency and openness, offers the greatest chance of bringing peace.