§ 20. Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the crisis in the great lakes region of Africa. [67526]
§ Clare ShortWe are deeply disturbed about the impact of the ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the consequences for the people throughout the Great Lakes region. The involvement of so many other countries in the continuing conflict in the DRC and the risks of escalation are very serious. We are ready to provide humanitarian assistance where this is possible. But a ceasefire is needed urgently. Britain is supporting efforts by President Chiluba and other regional leaders to secure this ceasefire and to find a political solution which will protect the sovereignty of the DRC, ensure the rights and protection of all Congolese and address the security concerns of neighbouring countries.
An important part of the solution will be progress on reconciliation in Rwanda. Rwanda needs international support to help it achieve peace and reconciliation and I have agreed to provide £30 million in three annual grants to help. The rationale and objectives for our support to Rwanda are set out in my letter dated 26 January to you as the Chair of the All-Party Group on Rwanda. A copy of my letter has been placed in the Library of the House.
In Burundi, the Arusha peace process continues to make progress. The decision by regional Governments to lift the economic sanctions imposed on Burundi reflects the progress being made and is a positive step forward.
In the longer term there is a need to address the root causes of the conflict; re-unite the region; and promote development for long-term stability. We support the convening of an International Conference on Security and Co-operation under UN/OAU auspices to this end.