Webchat with David Miliband, Foreign Secretary

Moderator says: Welcome to today's webchat with the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband. And thanks for all the questions submitted so far. We've received quite a few and we'll try to get through as many as possible in the time we have. David's just arrived so we'll be starting shortly.

David says: Good morning everyone. I have just come from my morning daily briefing. The Prime Minister is in the background speaking on the tv and it says Britain needs a new type of politics. I suppose this webchat is part of that so here goes.

Stewart Nicol: What is your view on settling the Palestinian questin properly and removing the illegal wall around the places like Gaza and the West Bank and places such as Bethlehem?

David replies: It is now 40 years since the passage of UN Resolutin 242, which is the basis of the two state solution - Israel safe within its borders, a viable Palestinian state next door - that is the foundation of British policy. We will work with all those committed to peaceful means to achieve this goal, and in the short term support economic and humanitarian assistance through the Abbas/Fayyad government to help Palenstinians. We do not support the settlements policy. Palestinian hardship and Israeli fear are two sides of the same coin and they need to be addressed together.

Anthony Teitler: Does the British government have an active foreign policy in promoting human rights? If so, have the ideals of 'freedom' and 'democracy' been emboldened in the Middle East since 2003?

David replies: The short answer is yes. If you go to the FCO website you will see the annual Human Rights Report that we publish. I don't see these as "western" values but universal.

A G Karim: RT Hon David Miliband

I have follow questions for you.

How soon will you bring our troops back home and save the lives of innocent soldiers who are there based on lies.

Secondly, what assistance can teh Government give to NGO who are operating on the ground in Iraq serving humanity with less paper work but fastrer action so that these NGOs assist thousands of orphans and widows created by this illegal war which was based on lies.

As regards to Palestine. Killing is still going on. NO condemnation is done when innocent people are killed but immediatly the worl reacts to teh reaction of an action taking place in that part of the world. Would you not agree that what Palestine people are doing is the reaction to an action? Do you not think that Palestine people are human beings and they must be allowed to live on their own land which is being destroyed day in day out?

David replies: Today you will have seen on the news that British troops are handing control of Basra Palace to the Iraqi Security Force as part of the plan of re-deployment in favour of Iraqi capacity. I agree that NGO capacity is vital to a decent society.

I don't know the answer to your question about paperwork but will find out and get the answer posted later today. And of course Palestinians are human beings and should have the same rights as the rest of us.

You ask about "reaction": the vast bulk of Palestinian people actually support a two state solution in the MIddle East (according to all the polls). We work bilaterally and with the international community to try to guarantee and improve the rights and lives of Palestinians and Israelis, their futures are bound together.

More on the Middle East Peace Process

Waldo, london: if we do not talk to syria they will further court iran. assuming that we do not want that to happen and we want to see syria help in the middle east peace process and with iraq what should we do?

David replies: Of course we do have diplomatic realtions with Syria and Iran. We are clear that both countries have important responsibilities in the Middle East and we want to see those responsibilities fulfilled. Supporting terrorist groups, whether in Iraq or Lebanon, is not responsible behaviour and it is right that we make our view clear.

Anthony Teitler: What influence does and should the international community have in relation to Iran and the nuclear issue?

David replies: Iran has every right to be a flourishing member of the international community including, if they wish, the use of civil nuclear power. But by the "nuclear issue" I assume you are talking about nuclear weapons and in that regard Iran does not have the right to set of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

This is not just my view but the successive unaninimous view of the international community in UN resolutions. Britain is also active in developing a clear package of incentives and sanctions for Iran to play by the international rules.

Hossein Bagher Zadeh: Dear Foreign Secretary,

In the wake of persistent news that the US government is contemplating an air attack on Iran, and the fact that the UK government has been a staunch ally of US's Middle East policy for some years, what is the position of UK government in this regard, and are you prepared to categorically rule out any part in such a military confrontation with Iran? Also why the UK governent is so conspicuously silent on the worsening human rights situation in Iran (highlighted by mass public executions in recent weeks) since you have taken office?

David replies: Thanks for the question. We certainly are not inactive on human rights in Iran or anywhere else. On the nuclear issue, all of our efforts are behind a diplomatic solution.

Waldo, london: poppy production in southern afghanistan is out of control. most of the final product ends up on our streets. what's more important getting them off the uk streets or propping up corrupt afghan officials/ex-warlords? why do we not agree with the us over crop spraying?

David replies: Tackling corrupt officials and getting heroin off the streets are two sides of the same coin. Sixteen provinces in Afghanistan are now poppy free, but the situation in the south is worrying. We are supporting the Afghan government's drug strategy which includes interdiction. We do not support aerial spraying which we think would cause more probems than it solves; targetted ground based destruction is however part of the strategy on a pilot basis.

ron fisher: why can`t the richest countries in the world buy up the poppy crop in afghanistan and use it for the production of a drug that will benefit mankind.surely medical science can find a use for this organic flower as it has made use of other plants and herbs in numerous medicines.

David replies: Our analysis is that trying to create a licit drug route in a country where illicit production is a real problem will not work.

SimonD: The new Foreign Sec's fondness for new communication methods - blogging, YouTube videos, and so on - is well documented. Restarting his ministerial blog was famously his top priority when he took over at Defra: but there's been nothing out of FCO so far. Has the more conservative (small 'c') atmosphere of the Diplomatic Service changed his view of such transparent, direct channels? How can the FCO, whose centralised methods changed little over the course of centuries, respond to the 'I can' society he described earlier this year?

David replies: I promise not! I am completely committed to the idea that diplomacy needs to engage the public as well as diplomatic elite and also to the notion that I need to lead that in the Foreign Office. So the blog will be back, supplemented by other tools for discussion and debate.

John Barton: Why are we being dragged further into the EU dictatorship with out our permission? It would seem that politicians, especially Labour ones do not care to consult the British public on matters that concern them greatly.

David replies: Every time the EU has refomed itself in the last 25 years people have said it will be the end of Britain. Yet here we are and in many ways thriving. Europe is a coalition of nation states and national leaders take the decisions.

tessa doe: How do you seen Britains position in Europe in ten years time?

David replies: Stronger in short - a Britain developing economically and socially in a Europe which builds on the peace and prosperity that it has helped to create over the last 50 years. Europe needs policy reform within its borders - which is why the steps on energy and climate change are so important - and more effectiveness beyond its borders, which is why I am going to Turkey this week to talk about the bridges that need to be built between east and west.

George Galway: Can you confirm that a referendum will be held on the European Union?
faithfully.
George Galway

David replies: Sorry, no. We had referendum on membership of the EU in 1975 and I believe that revising treaties which adjust institutional organisation should be scrutinisted by Parliament. The idea of a european "constitution" has been abandoned and the new institutional reforms, which protect British sovereignty in vital areas of national interest should be passed or rejected by Parliament.

Douglas Hutcheon: We require to maintain good relations with the U.S. but we need also to strengthen the European Union in terms of foreign policy. How best do you think we can do the latter?

David replies: The idea of "common" foreign and security policy was actualy launched by Margaret Thatcher and Helmut Kohl in the 1980s. It is encouraging that the new French government wants to take a more forward position on european defence policy and it is interesting that in our recent debates about relations with Russia, the common EU position in support of Britain has been influential.

Colin Smith: Dear Mr Miliband, Our forces now appear at last to be being withdrawn from the unwinnable situation in Iraq. Howvere they are being sent to the worst areas of Afghanistan in Helmund Prov. Why do our troops always take the bruntof war. Why not the French or Germans or other Europeans. Should this not in fact be a UN force. We cannot solve ALL the World's problems. We are too small.

David replies: You're right that we can't solve al the world's problems on our own and that Helmand is very tough. But we are there with others coutnries, including Canada and Holland. The evidence, which I saw for myself on a visit in July, is that our troops are working with intelligence and bravery alongside aide workers and diplomats. The security effort is designed to create the space for economic and social development.

Brian Kim: What is the toughest thing for being Foreign Secretary?

David replies: Answering questions like this! Seriously, never knowing when you get up in the morning whether something very bad has happened somewhere in the world, and whether we need urgent decisions that will affect British lives.

Cate: Congratulations Mr Miliband on your appointment as Foreign Secretary. I would like to ask you for your opinions on a way to put an end to the suffering of ordinary people in Zimbabwe - what diplomatic steps can you take to ensure that human rights are upheld there? Best wishes.

David replies: I wish I had an easy answer. The now despotic rule of Robert Mugabe has been a disaster for Zimbabwe. Our diplomacy is geared first to ensuring that in our bilateral relations we pressurise the elite and support ordinary people; second, to working with european allies and countries in Africa for them to make their views known, because they are the key players, and third to work with other countries around the world - for example we had a minister in China last week - to ensure that Zimbabwe does not receive succour from elsewhere.

Anthony Teitler: What influence does and shoud the international community have vis-a-vis Zimbabwe and regime change?

David replies: See above. The key is in Africa itself.

Ana: Dear Foreign Secretary Miliband: How long will the peace keeping troops stay in Darfur? Will there be food and medical facilities set up so that the people of Darfur can receive immediate attention? I pray that all is well with you. Thank you. AnA Kirola, San Franisco, CA

David replies: Thank you Ana. The troops will come from the African Union and the UN and will be backed by economic, social and political efforts. Have a look at at the article in the London Times last week by the Prime Minister.

Casper ter Kuile: Hello,

My question is about the Darfur conflict, where the civilians seem to be being left for dead by the Western world. What steps are you, David, taking to ensure that a cease-fire is created and upheld?

Casper ter Kuile

David replies: The UK sponsored, with France, a successful UN resolution last month that will deliver troops and a political process. I understand and share your frustration but at least we now have the international communtiy mobilised.

Alan Alexander: The Uk government has now agreed to put more pressure on the Sudanese government which so far has failed anyway. However the Chinese have shown recently their ability to make the sudanese change their minds on allowing troops in. So my question is will the French/UK govts approach the Chinese to put more pressure on the Sudanese and in return the Chinese can guarantee a smoother ride on the approach to the Olympics. Cynical yes, practical yes.

David replies: Its not about the deal, but we had a foreign office minister in China last week discussing this and other issues.

Ivan Corea: The Northern Ireland Peace Process continues to be successful for the British Government. Next year Sri Lanka celebrates 60 years of independence - there are strong historical, diplomatic, trade and investment ties between Great Britain and Sri Lanka. Could not the lessons of Northern Ireland be put to good use in bringing a lasting peace for the people of Sri Lanka?I would urge you as Foreign Secretary to consider facilitating this process. A lasting peace would be a huge boost to trade and development with Sri Lanka - the country has the potential to join the economic giants in South Asia.

David replies: Hi Ivan. We have a new British High Commissioner starting next January, and I know he will be taking the lessons of Northern Ireland with him without pretending that the solution in one part of the world can be directly replicated in another.

GIACOMO: Have you planned a trip in China? How to push the asian giant to make more efforts to counter climate change? Thank you. Bye from Italy

David replies: No dates have yet been finalised but I will be meeting the Chinese Foreign Minister in a couple of weeks and we are planning the UK/China summit which is led by the Prime Minister.

The Chinese have a key role in climate change. Their action plan published in June was a landmark document. We need to gear the financing of low carbon investment support Chinese economic growth.

alan: I'd like to ask a question about China. So far, the public know little about your perception of China. As the Country is growing fast, what the future of UK-Cina relations look like?China will be a competitor or a partner of UK? What are the priorites of Britain's policy towars China? Do you think UK should coordinate policies towards China with US?

David replies: China must be a vital partner of the UK and will be. They and we have huge shared interest ina strong and stable international order, based on clear rules and institutions. By virtue of history, position and development they have a huge amount to contribute to the world. We will be working very closely with them.

Leah Charpentier: In view of next December's post Kyoto negotiations, how important is EU leadership on the issue of Climate Change?

David replies: Absolutely vital. For me the climate change is the equivalent for the 21st century of European peace for the second half of the 20th century for the EU. The landmark March decisions dramatically cut emissions are an economic as well as an enviromnental strategy.

I don't think you can be effective environmentalist if you are a eurosceptic.

Christopher Beard: Whats it like working with your brother?

David replies: I am getting used to following his orders!

Reg Pyne: Noting the fact that the military reime in Burma/Myanmar has launched a new wave of arrests of peaceful protesters and that those arrested will doubtless be subject to deprivation, torture and long imprisonment, will you, at the EU Foreign Ministers meeting on 7/8 September, press for a strngthening of the Common Position on Burma and other appropriate initiatives including some strong condemnation of the regime?

David replies: As the Prime Minister said yesterday, we abhor the further crackdowns and will be discussing the issue next weekend.

Alastair Sharp: Given the recent comments of Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regarding Kosovo; that is, that Russia would accept its independence if Serbia agrees to terms with the Albanian majority, what position will Britain, both individually and within the strictures of the EU, take to Belgrade? Is a partition of northern Kosovo being considered?

David replies: We do not support partition. The latest round of negotiations are a last chance to come up with something better than the Ahtissari proposals for an independent Kosovo with strong guarantees for minority communities. There are responsibilities on all sides but we are clear that there legitimiate aspirations that need to be met.

Agi Orosz: What is Britain doing to make sure that human rights violations at Guantanamo Bay are stopped? Detention without trial is against the US constitution, against the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and violates every important International Law. Britain has a duty to stand up for the values it says it is fighting for.

David replies: We believe Guatanamo should be closed and that is also the position of the US administration. We announced last month that we would open discussions on the return of 5 British residents currently held in Guantanmo.

More on Guantanamo Bay

Max Rodgers: David, What is the FCO's current view on UK-US relations regarding Basra

David replies: Relations are strong. Our decsions in Basra reflect the situation on the ground, above all the growing capacity of the Iraqi security forces, and are signed off by the Coaltion and the Iraqi government. We have been straightforward and committed at every stage and that is the sort of relationship that is valued.

Jenny Brown: In relation to the EU Africa Joint Strategy how will the UK government ensure that Africa is not short-changed yet again and that the needs of Africans whose voices are hardly heard in the dialogue are acknowledged and protected - I'm thinking here of issues such as trade, climate justice, accountable governance and human rights?

David replies: Fair question. The UK record is I think recognised as being genuinely comprehensive, focusing on African capacity and not just international aid. Those principles will be carried forward into the EU strategy.

Alistair Scott: The UK leadership on an Arms Trade Treaty so far has been very positive. Such a Treaty is essential, not only because of the thousands of lives that are torn apart everyday by armed violence, but because the control of the international arms trade is absoutely essential to creating greater global security, and as such should be a high FCO priority. I would like to know what you will be doing personally to ensure the success of the ATT as it moves into its next phase of development at the UN.

David replies: Thanks for your praise for my predecessors whcih is well deserved. I will continue to raise the issue both in the multi-lateral negotiating fora and in meetings with other foreign ministers.

Mr Mark Smith: Hon David Miliband, make us proud.

David replies: I will do my best! I have just been told that we have today beaten my personal best of answering 31 questions in an hour. This is the 32nd. I really think that Britain can make a difference around the world, not by pretending we have a monopoly of wisdom but by using our experience, our networks, and our expertise to support the desire ofj people everywhere to shap their own futures. I call it Britain as a "global hub" of economic wealth, cultural diversity, political stability and diplomatic and military expertise.

Thanks a lot for taking part and please follow developments on the FCO website over the next couple of weeks.

Moderator says: That's all we have time for today. Thanks for all your questions.

Our next chat will take place one week today with the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, John Hutton.

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Moderator says: Welcome to today's webchat with the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband. And thanks for all the questions submitted so far. We've received quite a few and we'll try to get through as many as possible in the time we have. David's just arrived so we'll be starting shortly.

David says: Good morning everyone. I have just come from my morning daily briefing. The Prime Minister is in the background speaking on the tv and it says Britain needs a new type of politics. I suppose this webchat is part of that so here goes.

Stewart Nicol: What is your view on settling the Palestinian questin properly and removing the illegal wall around the places like Gaza and the West Bank and places such as Bethlehem?

David replies: It is now 40 years since the passage of UN Resolutin 242, which is the basis of the two state solution - Israel safe within its borders, a viable Palestinian state next door - that is the foundation of British policy. We will work with all those committed to peaceful means to achieve this goal, and in the short term support economic and humanitarian assistance through the Abbas/Fayyad government to help Palenstinians. We do not support the settlements policy. Palestinian hardship and Israeli fear are two sides of the same coin and they need to be addressed together.

Anthony Teitler: Does the British government have an active foreign policy in promoting human rights? If so, have the ideals of 'freedom' and 'democracy' been emboldened in the Middle East since 2003?

David replies: The short answer is yes. If you go to the FCO website you will see the annual Human Rights Report that we publish. I don't see these as "western" values but universal.

A G Karim: RT Hon David Miliband

I have follow questions for you.

How soon will you bring our troops back home and save the lives of innocent soldiers who are there based on lies.

Secondly, what assistance can teh Government give to NGO who are operating on the ground in Iraq serving humanity with less paper work but fastrer action so that these NGOs assist thousands of orphans and widows created by this illegal war which was based on lies.

As regards to Palestine. Killing is still going on. NO condemnation is done when innocent people are killed but immediatly the worl reacts to teh reaction of an action taking place in that part of the world. Would you not agree that what Palestine people are doing is the reaction to an action? Do you not think that Palestine people are human beings and they must be allowed to live on their own land which is being destroyed day in day out?

David replies: Today you will have seen on the news that British troops are handing control of Basra Palace to the Iraqi Security Force as part of the plan of re-deployment in favour of Iraqi capacity. I agree that NGO capacity is vital to a decent society.

I don't know the answer to your question about paperwork but will find out and get the answer posted later today. And of course Palestinians are human beings and should have the same rights as the rest of us.

You ask about "reaction": the vast bulk of Palestinian people actually support a two state solution in the MIddle East (according to all the polls). We work bilaterally and with the international community to try to guarantee and improve the rights and lives of Palestinians and Israelis, their futures are bound together.

More on the Middle East Peace Process

Waldo, london: if we do not talk to syria they will further court iran. assuming that we do not want that to happen and we want to see syria help in the middle east peace process and with iraq what should we do?

David replies: Of course we do have diplomatic realtions with Syria and Iran. We are clear that both countries have important responsibilities in the Middle East and we want to see those responsibilities fulfilled. Supporting terrorist groups, whether in Iraq or Lebanon, is not responsible behaviour and it is right that we make our view clear.

Anthony Teitler: What influence does and should the international community have in relation to Iran and the nuclear issue?

David replies: Iran has every right to be a flourishing member of the international community including, if they wish, the use of civil nuclear power. But by the "nuclear issue" I assume you are talking about nuclear weapons and in that regard Iran does not have the right to set of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

This is not just my view but the successive unaninimous view of the international community in UN resolutions. Britain is also active in developing a clear package of incentives and sanctions for Iran to play by the international rules.

Hossein Bagher Zadeh: Dear Foreign Secretary,

In the wake of persistent news that the US government is contemplating an air attack on Iran, and the fact that the UK government has been a staunch ally of US's Middle East policy for some years, what is the position of UK government in this regard, and are you prepared to categorically rule out any part in such a military confrontation with Iran? Also why the UK governent is so conspicuously silent on the worsening human rights situation in Iran (highlighted by mass public executions in recent weeks) since you have taken office?

David replies: Thanks for the question. We certainly are not inactive on human rights in Iran or anywhere else. On the nuclear issue, all of our efforts are behind a diplomatic solution.

Waldo, london: poppy production in southern afghanistan is out of control. most of the final product ends up on our streets. what's more important getting them off the uk streets or propping up corrupt afghan officials/ex-warlords? why do we not agree with the us over crop spraying?

David replies: Tackling corrupt officials and getting heroin off the streets are two sides of the same coin. Sixteen provinces in Afghanistan are now poppy free, but the situation in the south is worrying. We are supporting the Afghan government's drug strategy which includes interdiction. We do not support aerial spraying which we think would cause more probems than it solves; targetted ground based destruction is however part of the strategy on a pilot basis.

ron fisher: why can`t the richest countries in the world buy up the poppy crop in afghanistan and use it for the production of a drug that will benefit mankind.surely medical science can find a use for this organic flower as it has made use of other plants and herbs in numerous medicines.

David replies: Our analysis is that trying to create a licit drug route in a country where illicit production is a real problem will not work.

SimonD: The new Foreign Sec's fondness for new communication methods - blogging, YouTube videos, and so on - is well documented. Restarting his ministerial blog was famously his top priority when he took over at Defra: but there's been nothing out of FCO so far. Has the more conservative (small 'c') atmosphere of the Diplomatic Service changed his view of such transparent, direct channels? How can the FCO, whose centralised methods changed little over the course of centuries, respond to the 'I can' society he described earlier this year?

David replies: I promise not! I am completely committed to the idea that diplomacy needs to engage the public as well as diplomatic elite and also to the notion that I need to lead that in the Foreign Office. So the blog will be back, supplemented by other tools for discussion and debate.

John Barton: Why are we being dragged further into the EU dictatorship with out our permission? It would seem that politicians, especially Labour ones do not care to consult the British public on matters that concern them greatly.

David replies: Every time the EU has refomed itself in the last 25 years people have said it will be the end of Britain. Yet here we are and in many ways thriving. Europe is a coalition of nation states and national leaders take the decisions.

tessa doe: How do you seen Britains position in Europe in ten years time?

David replies: Stronger in short - a Britain developing economically and socially in a Europe which builds on the peace and prosperity that it has helped to create over the last 50 years. Europe needs policy reform within its borders - which is why the steps on energy and climate change are so important - and more effectiveness beyond its borders, which is why I am going to Turkey this week to talk about the bridges that need to be built between east and west.

George Galway: Can you confirm that a referendum will be held on the European Union?
faithfully.
George Galway

David replies: Sorry, no. We had referendum on membership of the EU in 1975 and I believe that revising treaties which adjust institutional organisation should be scrutinisted by Parliament. The idea of a european "constitution" has been abandoned and the new institutional reforms, which protect British sovereignty in vital areas of national interest should be passed or rejected by Parliament.

Douglas Hutcheon: We require to maintain good relations with the U.S. but we need also to strengthen the European Union in terms of foreign policy. How best do you think we can do the latter?

David replies: The idea of "common" foreign and security policy was actualy launched by Margaret Thatcher and Helmut Kohl in the 1980s. It is encouraging that the new French government wants to take a more forward position on european defence policy and it is interesting that in our recent debates about relations with Russia, the common EU position in support of Britain has been influential.

Colin Smith: Dear Mr Miliband, Our forces now appear at last to be being withdrawn from the unwinnable situation in Iraq. Howvere they are being sent to the worst areas of Afghanistan in Helmund Prov. Why do our troops always take the bruntof war. Why not the French or Germans or other Europeans. Should this not in fact be a UN force. We cannot solve ALL the World's problems. We are too small.

David replies: You're right that we can't solve al the world's problems on our own and that Helmand is very tough. But we are there with others coutnries, including Canada and Holland. The evidence, which I saw for myself on a visit in July, is that our troops are working with intelligence and bravery alongside aide workers and diplomats. The security effort is designed to create the space for economic and social development.

Brian Kim: What is the toughest thing for being Foreign Secretary?

David replies: Answering questions like this! Seriously, never knowing when you get up in the morning whether something very bad has happened somewhere in the world, and whether we need urgent decisions that will affect British lives.

Cate: Congratulations Mr Miliband on your appointment as Foreign Secretary. I would like to ask you for your opinions on a way to put an end to the suffering of ordinary people in Zimbabwe - what diplomatic steps can you take to ensure that human rights are upheld there? Best wishes.

David replies: I wish I had an easy answer. The now despotic rule of Robert Mugabe has been a disaster for Zimbabwe. Our diplomacy is geared first to ensuring that in our bilateral relations we pressurise the elite and support ordinary people; second, to working with european allies and countries in Africa for them to make their views known, because they are the key players, and third to work with other countries around the world - for example we had a minister in China last week - to ensure that Zimbabwe does not receive succour from elsewhere.

Anthony Teitler: What influence does and shoud the international community have vis-a-vis Zimbabwe and regime change?

David replies: See above. The key is in Africa itself.

Ana: Dear Foreign Secretary Miliband: How long will the peace keeping troops stay in Darfur? Will there be food and medical facilities set up so that the people of Darfur can receive immediate attention? I pray that all is well with you. Thank you. AnA Kirola, San Franisco, CA

David replies: Thank you Ana. The troops will come from the African Union and the UN and will be backed by economic, social and political efforts. Have a look at at the article in the London Times last week by the Prime Minister.

Casper ter Kuile: Hello,

My question is about the Darfur conflict, where the civilians seem to be being left for dead by the Western world. What steps are you, David, taking to ensure that a cease-fire is created and upheld?

Casper ter Kuile

David replies: The UK sponsored, with France, a successful UN resolution last month that will deliver troops and a political process. I understand and share your frustration but at least we now have the international communtiy mobilised.

Alan Alexander: The Uk government has now agreed to put more pressure on the Sudanese government which so far has failed anyway. However the Chinese have shown recently their ability to make the sudanese change their minds on allowing troops in. So my question is will the French/UK govts approach the Chinese to put more pressure on the Sudanese and in return the Chinese can guarantee a smoother ride on the approach to the Olympics. Cynical yes, practical yes.

David replies: Its not about the deal, but we had a foreign office minister in China last week discussing this and other issues.

Ivan Corea: The Northern Ireland Peace Process continues to be successful for the British Government. Next year Sri Lanka celebrates 60 years of independence - there are strong historical, diplomatic, trade and investment ties between Great Britain and Sri Lanka. Could not the lessons of Northern Ireland be put to good use in bringing a lasting peace for the people of Sri Lanka?I would urge you as Foreign Secretary to consider facilitating this process. A lasting peace would be a huge boost to trade and development with Sri Lanka - the country has the potential to join the economic giants in South Asia.

David replies: Hi Ivan. We have a new British High Commissioner starting next January, and I know he will be taking the lessons of Northern Ireland with him without pretending that the solution in one part of the world can be directly replicated in another.

GIACOMO: Have you planned a trip in China? How to push the asian giant to make more efforts to counter climate change? Thank you. Bye from Italy

David replies: No dates have yet been finalised but I will be meeting the Chinese Foreign Minister in a couple of weeks and we are planning the UK/China summit which is led by the Prime Minister.

The Chinese have a key role in climate change. Their action plan published in June was a landmark document. We need to gear the financing of low carbon investment support Chinese economic growth.

alan: I'd like to ask a question about China. So far, the public know little about your perception of China. As the Country is growing fast, what the future of UK-Cina relations look like?China will be a competitor or a partner of UK? What are the priorites of Britain's policy towars China? Do you think UK should coordinate policies towards China with US?

David replies: China must be a vital partner of the UK and will be. They and we have huge shared interest ina strong and stable international order, based on clear rules and institutions. By virtue of history, position and development they have a huge amount to contribute to the world. We will be working very closely with them.

Leah Charpentier: In view of next December's post Kyoto negotiations, how important is EU leadership on the issue of Climate Change?

David replies: Absolutely vital. For me the climate change is the equivalent for the 21st century of European peace for the second half of the 20th century for the EU. The landmark March decisions dramatically cut emissions are an economic as well as an enviromnental strategy.

I don't think you can be effective environmentalist if you are a eurosceptic.

Christopher Beard: Whats it like working with your brother?

David replies: I am getting used to following his orders!

Reg Pyne: Noting the fact that the military reime in Burma/Myanmar has launched a new wave of arrests of peaceful protesters and that those arrested will doubtless be subject to deprivation, torture and long imprisonment, will you, at the EU Foreign Ministers meeting on 7/8 September, press for a strngthening of the Common Position on Burma and other appropriate initiatives including some strong condemnation of the regime?

David replies: As the Prime Minister said yesterday, we abhor the further crackdowns and will be discussing the issue next weekend.

Alastair Sharp: Given the recent comments of Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov regarding Kosovo; that is, that Russia would accept its independence if Serbia agrees to terms with the Albanian majority, what position will Britain, both individually and within the strictures of the EU, take to Belgrade? Is a partition of northern Kosovo being considered?

David replies: We do not support partition. The latest round of negotiations are a last chance to come up with something better than the Ahtissari proposals for an independent Kosovo with strong guarantees for minority communities. There are responsibilities on all sides but we are clear that there legitimiate aspirations that need to be met.

Agi Orosz: What is Britain doing to make sure that human rights violations at Guantanamo Bay are stopped? Detention without trial is against the US constitution, against the UN Declaration of Human Rights, and violates every important International Law. Britain has a duty to stand up for the values it says it is fighting for.

David replies: We believe Guatanamo should be closed and that is also the position of the US administration. We announced last month that we would open discussions on the return of 5 British residents currently held in Guantanmo.

More on Guantanamo Bay

Max Rodgers: David, What is the FCO's current view on UK-US relations regarding Basra

David replies: Relations are strong. Our decsions in Basra reflect the situation on the ground, above all the growing capacity of the Iraqi security forces, and are signed off by the Coaltion and the Iraqi government. We have been straightforward and committed at every stage and that is the sort of relationship that is valued.

Jenny Brown: In relation to the EU Africa Joint Strategy how will the UK government ensure that Africa is not short-changed yet again and that the needs of Africans whose voices are hardly heard in the dialogue are acknowledged and protected - I'm thinking here of issues such as trade, climate justice, accountable governance and human rights?

David replies: Fair question. The UK record is I think recognised as being genuinely comprehensive, focusing on African capacity and not just international aid. Those principles will be carried forward into the EU strategy.

Alistair Scott: The UK leadership on an Arms Trade Treaty so far has been very positive. Such a Treaty is essential, not only because of the thousands of lives that are torn apart everyday by armed violence, but because the control of the international arms trade is absoutely essential to creating greater global security, and as such should be a high FCO priority. I would like to know what you will be doing personally to ensure the success of the ATT as it moves into its next phase of development at the UN.

David replies: Thanks for your praise for my predecessors whcih is well deserved. I will continue to raise the issue both in the multi-lateral negotiating fora and in meetings with other foreign ministers.

Mr Mark Smith: Hon David Miliband, make us proud.

David replies: I will do my best! I have just been told that we have today beaten my personal best of answering 31 questions in an hour. This is the 32nd. I really think that Britain can make a difference around the world, not by pretending we have a monopoly of wisdom but by using our experience, our networks, and our expertise to support the desire ofj people everywhere to shap their own futures. I call it Britain as a "global hub" of economic wealth, cultural diversity, political stability and diplomatic and military expertise.

Thanks a lot for taking part and please follow developments on the FCO website over the next couple of weeks.

Moderator says: That's all we have time for today. Thanks for all your questions.

Our next chat will take place one week today with the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, John Hutton.

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