HC Deb 14 October 1996 vol 282 cc646-7W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of the current situation in Burundi; [40089]

(2) if he will make a statement about the current situation in Burundi. [40091]

Dr. Liam Fox

We are deeply concerned about the situation in Burundi and are in close contact with regional leaders and partners. We support efforts by ex-President Nyerere to negotiate a political settlement and welcomed the outcome of the Arusha settlement. We continue to support contingency planning at the UN and within the region for possible international intervention.

Mr. Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received and what discussions he has had about the possibility of intervention in Burundi by the Organisation of African Unity. [40090]

Dr. Fox

The Organisation of African Unity Summit in Yaoundé endorsed the outcome of the Arusha summit. We welcome the decision by the OAU central organ to extend the mandate of the OAU observers and to sent a mission to Burundi.

Mr. Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assistance the British Government have provided and are prepared to offer to Burundi in respect of the current internal conflict; [40092]

(2) what reports he has received about forced repatriation of refugees from Burundi to Rwanda. [40094]

Dr. Fox

United Nations High Commission for Refugees estimates that 17,000 Rwandan refugees have been forcibly repatriated in the current conflict. UNHCR and UN human rights monitors are monitoring the condition of the returnees. Britain has made representations to the Governments of Burundi and Rwanda calling on them to ensure the safety of refugees in their care and that all repatriation is on a voluntary basis. Discussions are also taking place in the UN Security Council.

Britain has provided £2.6 million bilaterally and through the EU to Burundi since January 1996. My right hon. and noble Friend Baroness Chalker intends to visit the region early next month. She will assess further needs.