HL Deb 27 March 2001 vol 624 cc19-20WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they last discussed issues of religious freedom with the government of Russia; and whether they will ask for extensions of the time-limits for registering local religious groups. [HL1216]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Senior FCO officials raised UK concerns over religious freedom at the UK/Russia human rights talks in Moscow on 5–6 March 2001.

An EU dérnarche to the Russian authorities in December 2000 addressed the specific issue of registration of religious groups. The deadline for re-registration of religious groups was then postponed until 31 January 2001. The Russians have said that most religious organisations have now re-registered. We will continue to monitor the situation and will raise our concerns with the Russian authorities again if this proves necessary.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are discussing with the Russian Federation problems surrounding the registration of the Salvation Army as a religious group in Moscow, St Petersburg, Volgograd and Rostov on Don (given successful registration in five other cities). [HL1217]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Salvation Army has re-registered in St Petersburg, Rostov on Don and Volgograd (as well as Petrosavodsk and Vyborg). We are closely monitoring the situation in Moscow, and have raised our concerns with the Russian Government. The Salvation Army was registered at a federal level on 20 February 2001 and we hope this will enable the difficulties in Moscow to be resolved. We will continue to watch the situation closely.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ask British Missions in all the countries of the Soviet Union to be vigilant concerning religious liberty and non-discrimination and to raise these issues whenever seems necessary. [HL1218]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

All of our missions in former Soviet Union countries follow issues of religious freedom and discrimination closely. We take every opportunity, often with EU partners, to urge the states of the region to pursue laws and practices which foster tolerance and mutual respect and to protect religious minorities against discrimination, intimidation and attacks. We also regularly raise specific cases of religious persecution with the governments concerned.