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News Archive
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STATEMENT ON THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN
Clare Short, the International Development Secretary, reported on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and her recent visit to Pakistan to Parliament on 24 October. 'Our capacity to influence the humanitarian situation is limited,' Ms Short said, since access to many areas of the country is not possible, 'but the international community remains determined to do all in its power to continue to provide desperately needed assistance'. She said that the humanitarian objectives could be achieved much more rapidly if a new Government could be put in place in Afghanistan, and went on to stress the need to assist Afghanistan's neighbours, particularly Pakistan, affected by the current crisis.
HAIN HITS THE ROAD TO PROMOTE EUROPE
Minister for Europe Peter Hain will launch a tour of UK cities in Cardiff on 26 October to take the message on the benefits of British membership of Europe to the public. Mr Hain’s 'tour de Britain' illustrates the Government’s commitment to arguing the case for positive and confident engagement in Europe directly with the public across the country.
BARONESS AMOS TO VISIT ZIMBABWE
Foreign Office Minister Baroness Amos will participate in a visit by the Committee of Commonwealth Ministers to Zimbabwe on 25 and 26 October to discuss implementation of the Abuja Agreement.
‘EUROPE: A GLOBAL FRAMEWORK’
Speaking to the Royal Commonwealth Society on 24 October, Minister for Europe Peter Hain highlighted the need for greater European co-operation and solidarity, especially in the light of the tragedies of 11 September in the United States and the subsequent coalition against terrorism. He asserted that ‘To confront and eliminate international terrorism, international solidarity and close co-operation have never before been so badly needed.’ He went on to outline his vision for the future of Europe, with a clear emphasis on the benefits of constructive ‘engagement’. He went on to underline the need for a rational debate and plain speaking on Europe and for more confidence in the perception of our national ‘sovereignty’.
BRIEFING TO ARAB JOURNALISTS BY ROBIN COOK ON THE OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN
In a press conference to Arab journalists on the international coalition against terrorism on 23 October, the Leader of the House of Commons, Robin Cook, reiterated the evidence linking Usama bin Laden to the 11 September attacks on America and outlined the aims of the coalition’s operations in Afghanistan. 'We are pursuing a clear strategy, which brings together a military, a diplomatic and a humanitarian response and that strategy is producing results,' he said.
RENEWED BLOCKING OF FOREIGN NEWS WEBSITES IN CHINA
On 24 October Foreign Office Minister Denis MacShane commented on the news that blocks on foreign news websites in China, lifted for last week’s APEC Summit in Shanghai, appear to have been reimposed.
MINISTERIAL ENGAGEMENTS
In addition to their regular official and parliamentary duties, FCO Ministers have the following public engagements...
FCO Daily Bulletin...
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