§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What discussion there has been in the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy Working Group on Human Rights concerning alleged summary and arbitrary executions, arbitrary detention and attacks on defenders of human rights in Congo Brazzaville since the violent assumption of power by Dennis Sassou Nguesso on 15 October 1997; what measures are being taken by the European Union to assist in the return of that country to constitutional rule; and what view they take of the position under international law of Angolan armed forces still in that country. [HL1206]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Common Foreign and Security Policy Africa Working Group (AWG) discussed the situation in Congo Brazzaville most recently on 3 April 1998.
The EU has noted Sassou Nguesso's creation of a National Forum for Unity Democracy and the Reconstruction of the Republic of the Congo and his plans for the re-establishment of democracy. The EU remains concerned both at the continued presence of Angolan troops and about the proposed transition programme. The EU will press Sassou Nguesso on the need for an inclusive political progress.
Separately, while noting that Sassou Nguesso has approached the UN to appoint a special representative to investigate alleged genocide crimes, the EU also intends to raise its concerns about the human rights violations at the current session of the UN Commission on Human Rights.
The European Commission has designated 12 million ecu for humanitarian aid in Congo Brazzaville, which is being distributed through European Commission Humanitarian Operations (ECHO).