To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations her Department has made to the Ethiopian government regarding (a) the detention of prisoners of conscience, (b) freedom of expression and opinion and (c) human rights. (80620)

We remain concerned about the internal situation in Ethiopia. We have made representations to the Government of Ethiopia on numerous occasions both at ministerial and official level. Most recently our ambassador to Ethiopia had discussions with Prime Minister Meles on 24 April.

We have also raised issues of respect for human rights, freedom of expression and the cases of those detained in connection with the political disturbances in 2005. We welcome the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the events of last June and November and look forward to its report.