Mozambique (Hansard, 17 May 1993)

§ Mr. Hunter
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Mozambique Government since October 1992, regarding the Government's abuse of human rights prior to the signing of the peace accord.

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
Since October 1992, we have made no representations either to the Government of Mozambique or to RENAMO about human rights abuses. We have encouraged both the Government and RENAMO to proceed with full implementation of the general peace agreement which they signed in October 1992. The agreement includes detailed provisions for the protection of human rights and freedom of political expression.

§ Mr. Hunter
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official contacts and meetings he or his officials have had with RENAMO party officials since the signing of the peace accord in October 1992.

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
The RENAMO leader met my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and my right hon. and noble Friend Baroness Chalker of Wallasey during his visit to London on 22 February 1993 and had talks with officials. Our Ambassador in Maputo has travelled to the RENAMO leader's base in Northern Mozambique several times to impress upon him the need to proceed with the implementation of the general peace agreement of October 1992. We have maintained regular contacts with RENAMO officials when they have been in Maputo.

§ Mr. Hunter
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what United Kingdom development assistance in Mozambique since October 1992 has taken the form of political and democratic training for(a) Government organisations and (b) RENAMO;
(2) what is his policy with regard to providing assistance for opposition parties prior to elections in Mozambique to establish democratic party structures.

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
We have made no direct financial contribution for democratic training for personnel of government organisations, or of FRELIMO, the ruling party. We have, however, assisted opposition parties 49W preparing for elections by the provision, from diplomatic wing funds, of £18,000 worth of office equipment for RENAMO's office in Mapuo, and small amounts for three other parties—PCN, PPPM and UNAMO.