§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he is making to the United Nations regarding the withdrawal of the United Nations investigation team from the Democratic Republic of Congo. [43727]
§ Mr. FatchettThe UK and our European Partners fully endorsed the UN Secretary General's decision to withdraw the Investigative Team, although we did so with regret. We believe a thorough and impartial investigation into human rights violations could make a valuable contribution to the process of reconciliation, leading to long term stability, security and economic development in the Great Lakes region and as a whole.
The investigative team has continued its inquiries outside the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is currently drafting a report for the UN Secretary General. On the strength of the report and the Secretary General's recommendations, we will consider what further action might be appropriate.