Zaire (Hansard, 10 February 1997)

§ Mr. Harry Greenway
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last visited Zaire. [15212]

§ Dr. Liam Fox
My right hon. and learned Friend has not visited Zaire during his time as Foreign Secretary.

§ Mr. Greenway
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aid the United Kingdom currently gives Zaire; and if he will make a statement. [15205]

§ Dr. Fox
Britain's bilateral assistance programme to Zaire along with those of major donors including the European Commission, were suspended in 1992 following concerns about economic and human rights issues. Donors have, however, continued to provide humanitarian assistance to Zaire.
In November, my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development announced a commitment of £10 million following the large-scale refugee movements in the Kivu region. This commitment included an allocation of £4 million to support UN and non-governmental organisation relief in eastern Zaire and countries neighbouring Rwanda. The European Commission provided 3.7 mecu to Zaire in 1996—the United Kingdom share of this is £0.48 million.