§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent conference of Cambodian donors and the role of the British delegation. [38222]
§ Mr. HanleyThe outcome of the Cambodia consultative group meeting was successful. Along with the leading donors—Japan, the World bank and the Asian development bank—the UK and other bilateral donors secured commitments from the Royal Government of Cambodia in the fields of human rights and economic policy, including steps to combat illegal logging, while donors pledged their continuing support for Cambodia's development.
The RGC committed itself to implementing the recommendations on forestry policy made by the World bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation and requested international experts and advisers to assist it in this process. In addition, the RGC stated its willingness to appoint a reputable international company to verify the export of logs and ensure transparency and accountability of revenues.
The RGC also committed itself to the democratic process, a free mass media, the rule of law and combatting corruption. Most donors, including the UK, in pledging further aid, made it clear that they expected to see further progress in these areas. The widespread presence of donors and non-governmental organisations in Cambodia and the UN centre for human rights in Phnom Penh—to which Britain has provided financial support—we will help to ensure the monitoring of progress.