HC Deb 13 January 1999 vol 323 c226W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date the British Ambassador to Turkey wrote to the Maltese Government in respect of the extradition proceedings relating to the murder of Edgar Fernandes. [65105]

Mr. Fatchett

The British Ambassador in Ankara has not written to the Maltese Government in respect of the case of Edgar Fernandes. As my previous answers on 29 October 1998,Official Report, column 271 and 10 December 1998, Official Report, column 281 show, our staff in Valletta are in regular contact with the Maltese Government in respect of the extradition proceedings.

My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State last raised the matter with the Turkish Ambassador to London on 7 January.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government have taken to ensure that the Maltese Government are acting expeditiously in respect of extradition proceedings relating to the murder of Edgar Fernandes. [65106]

Mr. Fatchett

I refer my hon. Friend to my answers of 29 October 1998,Official Report, column 271 and 10 December 1998, Official Report, column 281. Our staff in Valletta continue to take every opportunity to remind the Maltese Government of our interest in the extradition of Mr. Mohammed Abdal Monem Abbas Aly. The Vice-Consul in Valletta regularly speaks to the Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He last called on the Maltese Assistant Attorney General to discuss the case on 7 January.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions there have been and on what date between the British Ambassador to Malta and the Maltese Government on extradition proceedings relating to the murder of Edgar Fernandes. [65159]

Mr. Fatchett

The British High Commissioner in Valletta formally discussed the extradition proceedings with the Attorney General and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 7 October 1998. He has since seen members of the Maltese Government on many occasions and consistently takes the opportunity of reminding them of our interests in the extradition of Mr. Mohammed Abdal Monem Abbas Aly to Turkey.