§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What military assistance, training or advice has been given to Sierra Leone in each of the years from 1991 to 1995, and whether they will suggest to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Committee of Ministers that consideration be given to the application of the Statement of Principles Governing Conventional Arms Transfers of November 1993 to the sale of arms to Sierra Leone, and in particular to paragraph 2(b) (iv) which calls on participating states to avoid transfers which are likely to prolong or aggravate an existing armed conflict.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe have provided occasional training in the region and in the UK for Sierra Leonean army officers during the period in question. The details of such assistance are confidential between governments. The Statement of Principles Governing Conventional Arms Transfers was agreed in November 1993. It is unnecessary to reaffirm this at Council of Ministers level.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they changed their policy of offering the Sierra Leone Government a military adviser for six 49WA months from April 1995, a procurement expert to study defence purchase problems and a short-term training team for senior officers; and what military aid or training is being provided or has been offered to Sierra Leone instead.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyDetails of military assistance are confidential between governments. We are however giving no military assistance in Sierra Leone at present.