HC Deb 26 July 1993 vol 229 cc567-8W
Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the conflict in Bougainville.

Mr. Goodlad

We regard the conflict in Bougainville as an internal matter for the Government of Papua New Guinea, but we have made known to the PNG authorities our concern that a lasting solution should be achieved by peaceful means.

Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Papua New Guinea about access for humanitarian organisations including the International Committeee of the Red Cross to Bougainville.

Mr. Goodlad

There have been no such discussions. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) withdrew from Bougainville after operating an emergency relief programme between April 1991 and February 1992 which the IFRC reported to have achieved most of its set objectives.