HL Deb 30 June 2003 vol 650 c55WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether their conversations arising from the visit of President Putin to Great Britain will include issues of discrimination in Russia against Churches and faiths other than Russian Orthodox, particularly the refusal or non-renewal of visas for clergy who are citizens of member states of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. [HL3337]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Human rights issues, including Chechnya, will be raised during President Putin's visit. But there will also be a wide range of international issues to discuss. I cannot therefore offer firm assurances in advance as to the detail of the human rights questions that time and opportunity will allow for discussion.