HC Deb 28 April 2003 vol 404 cc120-1W
Mr. Leigh

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to promote peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [108902]

Mr. Rammell

The UK is actively engaged with our African, EU and UN partners in promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Government have supported the implementation of both the Lusaka Peace Agreement and the Pretoria Agreement of July 2002 as providing the most viable way forward.

We warmly welcome the agreement signed in Sun City on 2 April on the establishment of a transitional government with a view to democratic elections in two years time. We will play our part as a member of the International Support Committee which is tasked with supporting the transitional process in DRC.

Mr. Simmonds

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest situation in the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; what steps his Department is taking to address this situation; and if he will make a statement. [101772]

Mr. Rammell

Agreement was reached on 2 April in Sun City (South Africa) on the establishment of a transitional government in the Democratic Republic of Congo. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary issued a press statement on 3 April warmly welcoming this development. I have placed a copy in the Library of the House.

The UK is actively engaged with our African, EU arid UN partners in promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Government have supported the implementation of both the Lusaka Peace Agreement and the Pretoria Agreement of July 2002 as providing the most viable way forward. It will continue to play its part, as a member of the International Committee for Support to the Transition, which is tasked with supporting the transitional process in the DRC.