§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what involvement(a) he and (b) British-based non-governmental organisations have in Burundi; and if he will make a statement about the political situation and any international initiatives to improve matters there. [15415]
§ Mr. HanleyBritain supports efforts led by the UN, the Organisation of African Unity and regional leaders to promote political dialogue and reduce violence in Burundi. We supported UN Security Council resolution 1040 of 29 January, which requested the UN Secretary-General to consider options for further action. He is due to report by 20 February. We also supported the appointment by the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January of an EU special envoy for the Great Lakes region, who will work closely with the UN Security-General's special representatives and the facilitators appointed by the Cairo Conference. An EU troika visited Burundi on 12 February, delivering a firm message to leaders there on the need for dialogue and action to prevent further violence.
British NGOs play an important role in ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Although the level of violence has calmed in recent weeks, we remain concerned about extremist pressures on the power-sharing Government.