§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his recent discussions with his Russian counterpart in Moscow, covered allegations of war crimes and human rights violations in Chechnya; and if he will make a statement. [123299]
§ Mr. VazMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised reported human rights abuse in Chechnya with Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov during his visit to Moscow on 17 May. He also urged that those responsible for investigating reports of abuse be given the necessary resources and powers. The UK remains deeply concerned40W over the situation in Chechnya, and particularly about the human cost of the military campaign. We will continue to raise our concerns with Russia at every opportunity.
§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit to the Russian Federation by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate war crimes and human rights violations in Chechnya. [123301]
§ Mr. VazWe welcomed the visit to Moscow and the north Caucasus by Mrs. Robinson from 31 March to 4 April. Her visit, and her report on it to the UN Commission on Human Rights helped to illuminate the deeply disturbing situation in Chechnya. In the light of the visit, the UK, with EU and other partners, co-sponsored a Resolution on Chechnya at the UN Commission on Human Rights, urging Russia to take action to address the reports of human rights abuse in Chechnya.