§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence he has as to the extent and source of continuing supplies of weapons to Somalia.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAn arms embargo was imposed on Somalia in January 1992 by the United Nations. We have received no reports of any violation of the embargo, but large amounts of arms undoubtedly remain in Somalia from the former regime.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the United Nations has made as to the extent of the systematic use of rape as a weapon during the disturbances in Somalia; and what is being done to bring the offenders to justice.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThere are no reports of the systematic use of rape as a weapon in the current disturbances.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has 241W been made in Somalia on an area-by-area basis to reconstruct a civil society; and who is responsible for such work.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydReconstruction of a civil society is ultimately the responsibility of the Somalis themselves. As a part of this process district councils are being established in several areas with the support of UNOSOM II. Clan elders are also playing a constructive role in the process.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what disciplinary action has been taken following review of the performance of the United Nations or its associated organisations in Somalia.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Secretary-General has announced an investigation into the tragic shooting of Somali demonstrators by United Nations peacekeeping forces. The investigation has yet to be completed.