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<p>It is long-standing government policy not to comment on individual cases.</p><p>
</p><p>With regards to the involvement of Ministers, I refer to my answers given at
the Urgent Question on January 25<sup>th</sup>.</p><p> </p><p>OFSI assesses cases
for the granting of licences on a costs-basis only, ensuring that the fees requested
are reasonable in accordance with the derogations available under the sanctions regimes.
This is not a judgment on the merits of the case (which is a matter for the independent
judiciary), or on the character of any individuals involved.</p><p> </p><p>We need
to carefully balance the right to legal representation - which is a fundamental one
- with wider issues, including the aim and purpose of sanctions. It is right therefore
that Ministers are examining whether there are any changes that can be made to this
policy.</p>
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