At the UK Parliament - 9/5/2011

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Libya: Diplomatic Relations

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent information he has received on the protection of foreign diplomatic missions by the Libyan authorities. [54526]

Alistair Burt: A mob looted, attacked and burned the British embassy and ambassador's residence in Tripoli on 30 April 2011. The diplomatic premises of France, Italy, Qatar, the US and the UN also suffered damage. The Vienna convention requires the Qadhafi regime to protect diplomatic missions in Tripoli. By failing to do so, that regime has once again breached its international responsibilities and obligations. In response the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has expelled the Libyan ambassador to the UK. The attacks against diplomatic missions will not weaken our resolve to protect the civilian population in Libya.

Malaysia: Human Rights

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the government of Malaysia concerning Mr Charles Hector Fernandez; what his most recent assessment is of the situation of human rights campaigners in Malaysia; and if he will make a statement. [54621]

Mr Jeremy Browne: The EU Delegation in Kuala Lumpur has met with Charles Hector Fernandez and has been following his trial on behalf of member states. The Malaysian Government is not a party to the case, which is a civil matter between Mr Fernandez and a Japanese company. The UK has therefore made no representations to the Malaysian Government, but our high commission in Kuala Lumpur continues to monitor the trial.

9 May 2011 : Column 989W

Malaysia has a national framework for the protection of human rights enshrined in its constitution. However, we remain concerned that human rights defenders who challenge the Government can suffer harassment and arrest. EU missions in Kuala Lumpur met local human rights defenders in March 2010 and maintain a dialogue with them. Our high commission also maintains contacts with human rights defenders and regularly speaks to them and to the national human rights commission (SUHAKAM) on a range of human rights issues.

Maldives: Tourism

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to update advice offered to UK citizens (a) in and (b) planning to travel to the Maldives following recent events in that country. [54719]