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91969

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	International Relations
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received of increased ties between North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209370
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/10/2014 answer text <p>North Korea: Russian relations with North Korea have been gradually increasing in the last 12 months. The Russian Duma voted in June to 'forgive' nearly $10 billion of debt. At the beginning of October DPRK Foreign Minister Ri visited Moscow and, according to DPRK media, during this visit Russia agreed to provide food aid to the DPRK. A series of Russian investment visits reportedly planned for the rest of 2014. Russia shares international concerns over North Korea’s security posture and is a party to the (stalled) Six-Party Talks to resolve these concerns.<br> <br>Iran: Presidents Putin and Rouhani recently met in the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Summit. We have expressed our concerns that the proposed “oil for goods” deal between Russia and Iran seems to run contrary to ongoing sanctions against Iran. Russia also continues to be heavily involved in the Iranian civilian nuclear sector, running the Bushehr nuclear plant for Iran. The UK and Russia also work together as part of the E3+3 to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.<br> <br>Venezuela: Venezuela has signed a range of cooperation agreements over the past ten years with Cuba, the People's Republic of China, Russian Federation and Iran, mostly in commercial areas. There are regular meetings between the Venezuelan government and those governments. Venezuela and Cuba have very strong political, economic and social ties. In June 2014, a resolution published in the Venezuelan National Gazette gave agreement for North Korea to reopen an embassy in Caracas</p><p>Cuba: Russia and Cuba have continued the traditionally close ties established between the Soviet Union and Cuba. President Putin visited Cuba prior to the BRICS summit in July and reportedly ‘forgave’ $30 billion of Cuban debt to the Soviet Union (90% of Cuba’s outstanding debt to Russia).<br> <br>China: Russia and China have expanded their relations in the last 12 months, including signing in May of a key energy deal - the culmination of years of negotiations. The deal, worth an estimated $400 billion will see Russia start to provide natural gas resources to China from 2018, and through to 2044. This was an expected development between the country with the world’s largest energy reserves (Russia), and the country with the highest energy consumption (China). China has not supported Russia’s actions in Ukraine at the UN Security Council, nor in the UN General Assembly. Both sides have announced they will sign further deals to expand trade and investment at the upcoming ASEM summit in Milan this month.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 15/10/2014 14:04:27 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby

91970

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iran
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations his Department has made to the Iranian government on its approach to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; what recent representations he has received on the treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Iran; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209365
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK is concerned by the continued persecution of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Iran. In May 2013, the upper house of the Iranian Parliament adopted a new Islamic Penal Code, which continues to criminalise sex between adults of the same sex. The punishments can range from 100 lashes to the death penalty for both men and women. It is also against Iranian law for same sex people to touch and kiss, and for people to cross dress.</p><p>The UK has repeatedly called on Iran to fulfil its international and domestic obligations to protect the human rights of all Iranians.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 16/10/2014 13:47:52 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby

91971

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Iran
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of UN sanctions in deterring Iran's nuclear programme; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209366
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/10/2014 answer text <p>UN sanctions on Iran restrict the supply of nuclear-related materials, freeze the assets of key individuals and companies related to nuclear proliferation-sensitive activities, and apply to all states. They have therefore played an important role in international efforts to halt Iran’s nuclear programme. The UK is firmly committed to ensuring compliance with UN sanctions. They can only be lifted as part of a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 16/10/2014 13:52:47 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby

91972

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	North Korea and Iran
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the nuclear weapons capability of (a) North Korea and (b) Iran.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209369
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/10/2014 answer text <p>The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted its third nuclear test in February 2013, following earlier tests in 2006 and 2009. We note with concern reports suggesting the Yongbyon nuclear reactor has been restarted, that the nearby uranium enrichment facility has apparently been expanded, as well as DPRK’s statements reiterating its ‘right’ to conduct further nuclear tests. We continue to urge DPRK to comply with its obligations under relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, to refrain from any further provocations to abide by its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and permit full access by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In the event of any further test, we have made clear to DPRK that they should expect a robust response.</p><p>Iran does not have a nuclear weapons capability, but we are concerned about the goals of Iran’s nuclear programme, the associated proliferation risks and Iran’s history of concealing its nuclear activities. The most concerning elements of Iran’s nuclear programme were frozen or rolled back under the Geneva Joint Plan of Action, which will expire on 24 November. A comprehensive agreement between the E3+3 and Iran is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. We urge Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA to address international concerns about the possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 16/10/2014 13:57:54 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby

91976

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	China: Taiwan
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to promote dialogue between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209360
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK considers that the issue of cross-Strait relations should be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Strait. Her Majesty's Government welcomes recent improvements in relations.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 16/10/2014 13:43:56 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby

91977

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Tibet
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has received from groups representing the Tibetan people; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209361
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/10/2014 answer text <p>We receive frequent correspondence regarding Tibet. Our officials maintain a regular dialogue with a range of Tibetan interest groups, and I met with a number of such groups in June.</p><p>We monitor the situation in Tibetan areas closely. We have ongoing concerns about restrictions on ethnic minority rights which we raise regularly with Chinese counterparts, most recently during the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue on 19-20 May 2014. We report on the situation in our Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy, and in updates to it.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 16/10/2014 13:53:17 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby

91978

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Foreign Relations
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the UK's relations with (a) Cuba, (b) North Korea, (c) Venezuela, (d) Russia and (e) Iran; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209367
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK’s bilateral relations with Cuba cover a broad range of foreign policy subjects including climate change, counter narcotics, trade and human rights. We continue to engage with the Cuban government to strengthen bilateral relations and promote reform. This includes support for recent economic changes such as a new foreign investment law, and by raising human rights concerns where appropriate.</p><p>The UK and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have had formal bilateral relations since December 2000. Since then, the UK has concentrated on two main foreign policy areas: counter-proliferation and human rights. Our policy of “critical engagement” is intended to promote incremental change: it allows us directly to communicate issues of substantial concern, and focuses on exposing people in North Korea to international values and the benefits of engaging with the international community. Our Embassy in Pyongyang helps to improve our understanding of what is happening inside the country, as well as providing support for small-scale projects aimed at improving the lives of the most vulnerable in DPRK society.</p><p>The UK and Venezuela have a constructive and practical relationship and engage in cooperation in areas of mutual interest: our counternarcotics cooperation is vital in tackling illegal drugs trafficking; we are engaging closely ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations; and our trade links support economic development in both countries, particularly in the oil sector. We have been following the political situation in Venezuela closely and were deeply saddened by the deaths that occurred in protests earlier this year. The British Government called on all sides to reduce tension and take steps to promote political reconciliation through genuine dialogue.</p><p>The UK has endeavoured over the past 23 years to build a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Russia, to support its integration into the international community and international rules-based system. By its illegal annexation of Crimea, and its aggressive destabilisation of south eastern Ukraine, the Russian leadership has rejected that offer of partnership and instead chosen a path of confrontation. We deeply regret this. Moscow needs to understand that military aggression, destabilisation of a sovereign neighbour, and flouting of international commitments have serious consequences. So whilst we need to maintain a relationship with Russia that enables dialogue and ongoing co-operation on high priority global issues, it cannot be business-as-usual. The UK hopes that the Russian leadership will take the necessary steps to help secure a lasting peace in eastern Ukraine that restores respect for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and enables Russia to return to a constructive relationship with the rest of the world.</p><p>Following the attack on our Embassy in Iran on 29 November 2011, diplomatic relations with Iran were reduced to their lowest level possible, but were not completely severed. Over the past year, we have been seeking to improve UK/Iran relations on a step-by-step and reciprocal basis. Most recently, My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister met President Rouhani on 24 September in the margins of the UN General Assembly - the first such meeting since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Both agreed that there had been significant differences between our countries in the past, and that we should seek to progressively improve our bilateral relationship.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 15/10/2014 12:36:32 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby

91979

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	North Korea and Iran
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate he has made of the range of the ballistic missiles possessed by (a) North Korea and (b) Iran; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209368
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/10/2014 answer text <p>The DPRK has successfully flown the No Dong medium range ballistic missile with an approximate range of 1,500km. Additionally the DPRK has paraded intercontinental ballistic missiles with claimed ranges up to 13,000km, but these have not been flight tested yet. We assess that Iran’s longest-range ballistic missiles are the Ashura and Shahab III, both medium-range ballistic missiles with a range of approximately 2,000km. We continue to call on both countries to refrain from conducting further ballistic missile testing in violation of UNSCRs prohibiting such testing.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 16/10/2014 13:55:51 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby

91980

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Hong Kong
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has received from pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209362
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/10/2014 answer text <p>UK Ministers and Government Officials maintain a regular dialogue with key figures from all sides of the constitutional reform debate in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Central People’s Government, and representatives of pro-democracy groups. The Deputy Prime Minister, the right hon Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr Clegg) and I met seperately with two representatives of pro-democracy groups during their visit to London in July.</p><p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued statements on the situation in Hong Kong on both 29 September and 2 October.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 16/10/2014 13:54:36 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby

91981

registered interest
date	26/09/2014
answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept id	16
answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
hansard heading	Senkaku Islands
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has participated in discussions on resolving tensions between the People's Republic of China and Japan over the Senkaku Islands; and if he will make a statement.
tabling member constituency	Brighton, Kemptown
tabling member printed	Simon Kirby
uin	209363
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/10/2014 answer text <p>Whilst the UK does not take a position on the underlying question of sovereignty, we have a clear interest in maintaining regional peace and stability. We have urged both China and Japan to resolve the matter peacefully and in accordance with international law.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 16/10/2014 13:57:20 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
tabling member	3929 label Biography information for Simon Kirby