HC Deb 24 November 1997 vol 301 cc399-400W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new measures he will propose to the EU to deal with the situation in the Great Lakes region of Africa. [17151]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

During our presidency we will seek to ensure co-ordinated EU action in support of stability and economic development in the region, which takes account of humanitarian concerns, human rights issues and the need for improved and more accountable government. We will support the efforts of the EU Special Envoy for the Great Lakes, Aldo Ajello, to promote dialogue and the negotiated resolution of conflict in the region.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will propose the convening by the UN Secretary General of a conference on the problem of displaced people in the Great Lakes region. [17152]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

We support the principle of convening, as soon as conditions allow it to produce concrete results, a conference under UN and OAU auspices to address issues of peace, stability and development in the Great Lakes region. We will consult closely with regional states, partners in the EU and at the UN on the practicalities of arranging such a conference.