§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the weapons collection programme introduced in Albania earlier in the year has been a success; whether there were sufficient resources available for effective follow-through; and what direct and indirect contributions the United Kingdom has made to that programme. [HL4721]
§ Baroness AmosThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Weapons Collection Pilot Programme for Albania was set up in Gramsh in February 1999. The project is a success and it has been extended to two more districts, Elbasan and Diber. Over 9,500 weapons and 182 tons of ammunition have been collected, of which about half the weapons have been destroyed already.
167WAThe programme also has other important additional benefits: it has helped to reinforce the rule of law and role of the police, fostered greater community dialogue and co-operation, reduced crime rates, and encouraged a significant handover of surplus and privately held ammunition.
DFID has provided over £1.365 million so far, this includes £610,000 through UNDP for the development aspects of the programme and funding two technical specialists to verify safety standards. We will complete our technical support in mid 2001. Other donors include the United States, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.