§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) if she will make a statement on Russia's response to the World Bank's request for information about the budgetary impact upon it of the Chechnya war; and if she will make it her policy to use the World Bank to encourage that country to apply for redevelopment support for the Chechnya area; [2726]
(2) what representations she has made to Russia to seek funding from the World Bank for redevelopment in Chechnya; and if she will make a statement. [2725]
§ Clare ShortResponsibility for the redevelopment of Chechnya lies with the Russian Government, and it will be for Russia to decide whether to seek assistance from the international community. However, while fighting continues and the security situation remains poor, the redevelopment of Chechnya on any significant scale is unlikely to be possible.
Britain is contributing to international appeals to provide help for those displaced by the conflict. So far this year we have directly contributed £1.75 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross and £1.6 million to the United Nations Interagency Appeal. We also contribute through the European Commission Humanitarian Office.