Democratic Republic of Congo (Hansard, 22 June 2004)

§ Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, with specific reference to action he intends to take at the UN to try to restore order to that region. [179302]

§ Mr. Mullin
Bukavu is now under the control of Congolese Government forces and the town is reported to be calm. We fully support the work of the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUC). We are working with the UN and our partners in the Security Council to ensure that MONUC is as effective as possible in carrying out its mandated tasks. I hope to visit Bukavu in the week of 21 June.

§ Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Banyamulenge, Democratic Republic of Congo, with specific reference to their actions in the Bukavu region; and what discussions he has had with the Rwandan authorities on their support for the Congolese rally for democracy in a military situation. [179303]

§ Mr. Mullin
I have had no discussions with the Banyamulenge communities in South Kivu regarding their actions in the Bukavu area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both my right hon. Friends the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for International Development (Hilary Benn) have spoken with President Kagame of Rwanda to reiterate how unacceptable the international community would find support for any renegade Congolese element.

§ Mr. Drew
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with President Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo since the latest attempted coup; and if he will make a statement. [179322]

§ Mr. Mullin
The last coup attempt took place in the early hours of 11 June. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary last talked to President Kabila on 4 June. I remain deeply concerned by the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and will continue to work with international partners to support the Transitional National Government and the Congolese peace process.