HL Deb 02 July 1997 vol 581 cc28-9WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will assist the new government in the Congo in the strengthening of the civil service and democratic institutions outside Kinshasa, as well as inside.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We and our EU partners are looking at ways to initiate and restore much needed assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Strengthening the Civil Service and democratic institutions is an integral and important part of that planning. We believe that any development assistance should be country wide, and will consider the scope for support to provincial and local authorities.

The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they can give an assurance that they will assist in the process of democratisation in the Congo alongside the investigation of human rights abuses, and not after it.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We and our partners in the EU are considering how we can assist the process of democratisation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These deliberations will continue in parallel with the UN human rights investigation.

The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have given their support to the investigation of human rights abuses and alleged killings in Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and if so in what form.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We have given strong support, bilaterally and in conjunction with our partners in the EU and at the UN, to the UN human rights investigation mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have also made clear to President Kabila that the development of a constructive relationship is conditional upon his government's respect for human rights and the rule of law.