§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they recognise the government of Mr. Sassou Nguesso in Congo-Brazzaville; whether they recognise governments which come to power through military coups in general; whether they recognise governments installed with the aid of foreign military forces in particular; and what are the principles on which their recognition of governments attaining power by non-constitutional means is based.
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanIt is the practice of Her Majesty's Government to recognise states (including the Republic of the Congo), not governments. We deplore the violent overthrow of constitutional governments and unlawful military interventions.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that the situation in Congo-Brazzaville constitutes a threat to international peace and security in the region, and, if so, whether they intend to seek a meeting of the Security Council to take appropriate measures for the restoration of the democratically elected president.
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanHer Majesty's Government and the international community are deeply concerned about the situation in Congo (Brazzaville). The UN Secretary-General issued a report on 21 October. On 22 October the UN Security Council discussed the situation, with particular emphasis on the humanitarian problem. The UN will continue to follow events closely and the Security Council will meet again soon to discuss possible further action.