HC Deb 09 December 1997 vol 302 cc498-9W
Ms Kingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to contribute financial resources and personnel to MINURSO, to ensure that the United Nations supervised referendum on self-determination for the people of Western Sahara is free and fair. [19708]

Mr. Fatchett

The UK contributes 6.568 per cent. in UN assessed contributions to the total costs of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). Accordingly, we will pay 6.568 per cent. of the estimated costs (£129 million) of the expansion of MINURSO as set out in the Secretary-General's report of 13 November and its addendum of 19 November 1997. We have no plans to contribute personnel.

We fully support the expansion of MINURSO to facilitate the full implementation of the settlement plan.

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