Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Bangladesh to ensure that the forthcoming general election in that country is held in conditions which are free, fair, and without violence.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The British Government has been clear and consistent that we wish to see a free, fair, pluralistic and non-violent election in Bangladesh on 30 December. We have repeatedly encouraged the Government of Bangladesh and opposition parties to engage in an effective dialogue to this end. I am pleased that the opposition group, the Jatiya Oikya Front, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, have said they would take part in the election.
Through our High Commission in Dhaka we have been clear that the Election Commission should be allowed to continue its important work without interference. We have consistently made the case for international oversight of the election and the EU has agreed to send an Election Expert Mission. The UK will also support local observation of the general election through a Department for International Development-funded programme.
The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns regarding the next election in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when they met at the UN General Assembly in New York on 24 September. In a call on 1 November with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field, again made the case for a free, fair and participatory election. As did I when I spoke to him on the 23 November.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the governments of Saudi Arabia and Qatar to resolve the dispute and to resume diplomatic relations between them.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
We remain very concerned by the ongoing tensions in the Gulf. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and other Ministers engage with our Gulf friends to encourage de-escalation and that parties get firmly behind Kuwait's mediation efforts to resolve the dispute. We make it clear that Gulf unity matters to the security and stability of the region.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the progress of the Kuwait-led peace initiative between Qatar and the Saudi Arabian-led coalition.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Kuwait has remained at the forefront of mediation in the ongoing dispute. The UK and other international partners have supported Kuwait's efforts. Substantive progress can only happen when all countries involved are willing to discuss demands that are measured and realistic. We urge all parties to resolve their differences and unite for the security and stability of the region.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to support military de-escalation over the Line of Control in Kashmir, and to support a permanent and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The UK's longstanding position is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. We encourage India and Pakistan to maintain positive dialogue and good relations, but the pace of progress must be for them to determine.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recent increase in ceasefire violations between India and Pakistan over the Line of Control in Kashmir Region, resulting in a number of civilian casualties.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The British Government is naturally concerned by reports of increased terrorism and violence between Indian and Pakistani troops in Kashmir. We are monitoring the situation closely and call for both sides to exercise restraint.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of press freedom and freedom of expression in Bangladesh, following reports of enforced disappearances of journalists and supporters of opposition parties in Bangladesh.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
I raised concerns about disappearances and freedom of expression during my meetings with senior government leaders in Dhaka in August, and the Minister for Asia and the Pacific did the same with the Bangladesh High Commissioner and Foreign Secretary Haque in November. The High Commission in Dhaka regularly raises the full range of our human rights concerns with the Government of Bangladesh.
I am deeply concerned by the growing number of attacks against freedom of expression in Bangladesh, including those that have allegedly taken place through arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extra-judicial killings. Bangladesh remains a human rights priority country for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Asked by: Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Bangladesh to ensure that the elections due to be held in Bangladesh in 2018 are free and fair, following the boycott of previous elections in that country by opposition parties.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The British Government is encouraging political parties in Bangladesh to engage in constructive dialogue and allow the Election Commission the freedom to do its important work. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific discussed the importance of free, fair and inclusive elections with members of the Awami League and Bangladesh National Party at a meeting hosted by the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh in July, with Bangladesh High Commissioner Quaunine in August and with Foreign Minister Ali in November. The High Commission in Dhaka regularly discusses these matters with the Government of Bangladesh, the main political parties, and the Bangladesh Election Commission.