HC Deb 12 May 2003 vol 405 cc85-6W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Morocco on human rights in the western Sahara, with particular reference to its action against the Forum for Truth and Justice. [111353]

Mr. Mike OBrien

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 28 April 2003,Official Report, column 134W.

In April this year FCO officials raised concerns over the trial, sentencing and prison conditions of a Forum for Truth and Justice activist with the Moroccan authorities. We have also raised concerns about travel restrictions on a small number of Saharawi activists, including some associated with the Forum for Truth and Justice. We continue to monitor the situation closely, and will take action with the appropriate authorities where necessary.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he plans to have with the interim President of the African Union on the western Sahara. [111354]

Mr. Mike OBrien

None.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Moroccan Government on its proposal to increase substantially phosphate production in western Sahara. [111355]

Mr. Mike OBrien

None.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Algeria on the western Sahara. [111356]

Mr. Mike OBrien

I met Amine Kherbi, the Algerian Presidential Special Envoy, when he visited London to discuss Western Sahara last year. Foreign Office officials in London, Algiers and New York are in regular contact with their Algerian counterparts.

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