§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the British Government have recently held with(a) the Secretary-General of the United Nations, (b) the United States Government, (c) the Canadian Government and (d)regional Governments regarding the holding of a regional political conference in the great lakes region. [16324]
§ Dr. Liam FoxThe UK is in close contact with EU partners, the UN, and with regional states, regarding a regional political conference on the Great Lakes. We fully supported recent statements by the European Union and UN Security Council endorsing such a conference. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development raised the issue during bilateral meetings this year with the Presidents of Uganda and Kenya.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to facilitate the holding of a regional political conference in the great lakes region. [16323]
§ Dr. FoxWe believe that regional states must take a leading role in efforts to hold an international conference on the great lakes, and have regularly encouraged them to do so. We fully support the appointment of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General and the Organisation for African Unity, Mohamed Sahnoun, who will co-ordinate international and regional efforts towards such a conference, which should be held under UN and OAU auspices. He is planning to visit London soon. The UK will continue to play an active role in the preparations for the conference.