§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the steps that need to be taken to bring about peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [149198]
§ Mr. MullinThe peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took a big step forward in 2003 with the ratification of the Global Accord (signed in Pretoria on 17 December 2002) and the inauguration of an inclusive Transitional National Government (TNG) in July 2003.
The TNG now faces some significant challenges. These include preparation of the country for democratic elections in 2005, economic regeneration, establishing basic systems of governance to help prevent conflicts 1415W and reduce poverty, and security sector reform. The UK Government will continue to work with our partners in a co-ordinated international effort to bring lasting peace. There has also been a large increase in British aid to the DRC.