§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Eritrea regarding the release of political prisoners held since September 2001; and if he will make a statement. [115738]
§ Mr. RammellWe remain concerned at the human rights situation in Eritrea. Our Ambassador in Asmara raises the issue of detainees regularly with the government of Eritrea, both bilaterally and with EU Partners. My noble Friend the Baroness Amos, then Minister for Africa, met the Eritrean Ambassador on 19 March and highlighted these concerns. Officials also discussed the issue of detainees with the new Eritrean Ambassador on 21 May. We will continue to press the Eritrean government on this issue.