§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the immigration status of Lt Col Tharcisse Muvunyi; when he was admitted to the UK; and what representations his Department has received concerning allegations made against him in respect of crimes against humanity. [104512]
§ Mr. Straw[holding answer 13 January 2000]: Lieutenant Colonel Muvunyi has limited leave to remain in the United Kingdom until 12 May 2002, having been admitted on 29 March 1998. The Home Office has received a number of representations concerning Lieutenant Colonel Muvunyi's alleged involvement in the genocide which took place in Rwanda in 1994. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda has jurisdiction to prosecute persons responsible for this crime and for other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of Rwanda in the period in question, and was indeed established by the United Nations to do so. The Tribunal which is located in Arusha, Tanzania, has extensive powers to request assistance from states. We have assisted the Tribunal in the past by helping it to approach Lieutenant Colonel Muvunyi for an interview and have made it clear that if the Tribunal requests the future assistance of the United Kingdom, we will act appropriately.