HC Deb 05 July 2002 vol 388 cc636-7W
Ms Oona King

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received in respect of conflict between the Rwandan Army and dissident Banyamulenge forces in South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement. [66323]

Mr. MacShane

The South Kivu area of DRC is relatively inaccessible. Reliable information is scarce. But there are worrying NGO reports that the fighting between dissident Banyamulenge forces and the RCDGoma/Rwandan Army is causing a humanitarian crisis for the people of the Hauts Plateaux. We have raised this matter with the Government of Rwanda and in the UN Security Council.

Ms Oona King

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the security and humanitarian situation in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [66322]

Mr. MacShane

We continue to monitor closely the situation in eastern DRC. In particular, we have been concerned over fighting in Kisangani, Ituri province and the Hauts Plateaux in south Kivu. the associated abuses of human rights and the negative impact on the humanitarian situation. Where the security situation permits we have encouraged the United Nations Mission (MONUC) to investigate and to take appropriate action. We have raised our concerns with the governments of the region. We have supported UN resolutions and EU statements calling on the de facto authorities of the region to ensure the protection of civilians, respect human rights and uphold the rule of law.