§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Uzbekistan on imprisonment, torture and executions of religious and political opponents of the Government; and if he will make a statement. [132553]
§ Mr. RammellWe are deeply concerned by reports of imprisonment, torture and executions of religious and political opponents of the Uzbek Government. We take every opportunity to raise human rights issues bilaterally with the Uzbek authorities, including raising individual cases of religious and political persecution. For instance, I raised human rights issues with the Uzbek Ambassador on 8 October.
We frequently work with EU Partners and within the OSCE to raise our concerns by way of EU statements in Brussels and Vienna and demarches by EU Heads of Mission. The UK supported the EU statement at the OSCE Permanent Council on 17 July condemning the recent executions of individuals whose cases were under 541W consideration by the UN Human Rights Committee and calling on Uzbekistan to use OSCE expertise in implementing the UN Special Rapporteur's recommendations. Our Embassy in Tashkent is actively involved in human rights issues and is currently working with human rights organisations, the OSCE, UNDP and other Embassies to push Uzbekistan to develop and implement a National Action Plan to Combat Torture.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on(a) the standard of human rights and (b) the democratic process in Uzbekistan. [132554]
§ Mr. RammellI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell (Matthew Taylor) on 20 June 2003,Official Report, column 437W.
Since then, I raised human rights issues with the Uzbek Ambassador on 8 October, urging the Uzbek authorities to implement the UN Special Rapporteur for Torture's recommendations immediately. Bilaterally, and through the EU and the OSCE, we shall continue to press Uzbekistan to take greater steps towards democratisation and respect for human rights. We stand ready to assist Uzbekistan develop and implement its action plan to combat torture. While we welcome the Uzbek government's verbal and written commitments on human rights issues, we shall continue to press for tangible improvements and evidence of institutional reform.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the reasons are for the recall of the British Ambassador to Uzbekistan; what representations he has received on the early return of the Ambassador; when the Ambassador will return to Tashkent; and if he will make a statement. [132555]
§ Mr. RammellHer Majesty's Ambassador to Uzbekistan is currently in the UK where he has been receiving medical treatment. It would not be right for me to make further public comment on the private circumstances of an individual member of staff.