§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take in response to Recommendation 1335 (1997) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. [18366]
§ Mr. FoulkesI have been asked to reply.
We are closely monitoring the situation of displaced persons in the Transcaucasus. United Kingdom assistance has concentrated on promoting livelihood security through strengthened co-ordination of humanitarian aid, improved targeting of vulnerable groups and stronger dissemination of international humanitarian law. The Department for International Development has also funded quick impact income generation projects as well as relief items. The total value of UK humanitarian aid since the beginning of 1996 has exceeded £4.3 million.
A UK assessment mission to the Transcaucasian countries is due within the next couple of months and Recommendation 1335 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will be taken into consideration when drawing up our strategy.