HC Deb 01 March 2000 vol 345 c275W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role Britain is playing in international efforts to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the surrounding states, with particular reference to Rwanda and Uganda; and if he will make a statement. [111782]

Mr. Hain

Britain is playing an active and constructive role in international efforts to resolve the 'crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our aim now is to: help all the parties, including Rwanda and Uganda, implement the Lusaka Agreement; support the early deployment of the UN observer force to DRC as soon as conditions allow; and get the national dialogue on the future of DRC under way; and keep DRC at the top of the international agenda.

We are also providing practical support: British officers are deployed in the region as part of the UN mission; and we have made contributions of £160,000 for the Joint Military Commission, and £25,000 for the National Dialogue. We are ready to do more, as the parties actively demonstrate their commitment to the Lusaka Agreement.