HL Deb 20 July 1994 vol 557 cc32-3WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the United Nations Security Council has given France the power to hold territory in Rwanda indefinitely, and what provision the Security Council has made for the eventuality that a properly constituted interim government in Kigali, recognised by the international community, may ask the French troops to leave.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Security Council Resolution 929 of 22 June 1994 authorised member states to establish a temporary operation under national command and control for a period of two months or until UNAMIR is able to carry out its mandate, whichever is earlier. The French Operation Turquoise was mounted on this basis and the French Government have stated their intention to withdraw their forces as soon as UNAMIR is in place. Should a recognised government be constituted in Rwanda before then, the UN would consider what action to take at that time.

Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are being taken by the United Nations to investigate the responsibility of the remnants of troops belonging to the former government of Rwanda, now confined within the French "protection zone" in south-west Rwanda, for the killing of civilians, and whether they will ask the Security Council to send a preparatory mission of experts to Rwanda, to advise and assist on the investigation of the massacres, and the establishment of legal mechanisms by an incoming transitional government of national unity, for the prosecution of persons alleged to have committed crimes against humanity.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We were a co-sponsor of Security Council Resolution 935 adopted on 1 July, which established a Commission of Experts to examine and analyse information relating to grave violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of Rwanda, including acts of genocide, with a view to providing the Secretary-General with its conclusions.