§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the proposals for the establishment of a regional peace force, announced by the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) on 29 October 2003; what discussions he has had with members of the governments of(a) EU member states, (b) EU candidate countries, (c) CEEAC member states, (d) South Africa and (e) the USA on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [168555]
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§ Mr. MullinThe UK welcomes the support shown by CEEAC and other African regional organisations for the setting up of regional brigades as part of the African Standby Force (ASF).
The UK's support for the establishment of the ASF is currently directed towards developing strategic management capacity at the African Union and establishing regional brigades in east and west Africa. We also support efforts at the national level in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. We are discussing these initiatives with a range of international and African partners.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department sent observers to the meeting of the Economic Community of Central African States' meeting in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, on 28 and 29 October 2003; what key issues have been reported to him; and if he will make a statement. [168556]
§ Mr. MullinA UK representative did not attend the meeting of Defence Chiefs of Staff in Brazzaville in October 2003. The meeting looked at the creation of a brigade-size peace-keeping force for central Africa, in line with the African Union's plans for the African Standby Force. We welcome the support shown by the Economic Community of Central African States and other regional organisations for the African Standby Force and we continue to encourage governments in the region to support regional peace-keeping initiatives.