§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the Government of Zimbabwe regarding their involvement in mineral exploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [18186]
§ Clare ShortNo representations have been made to the Government of Zimbabwe concerning resource exploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We welcome the report from the UN Panel investigating the illegal exploitation of mineral resources in DRC, which was presented to the international community last week. We are reading the recommendations contained in the report with interest, and are presently considering what action to take to respond.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the Government of Zimbabwe regarding their policy on allowing aid agencies to distribute emergency food supplies to those affected by the famine. [18190]
§ Clare ShortWe have been closely involved in the development of a humanitarian assistance plan by the United Nations Development Programme in Zimbabwe which assigns a key role to United Nations agencies 769W and non-governmental organisations in ensuring that assistance is properly targeted. This plan is being discussed by UNDP with the Government of Zimbabwe on behalf of all potential providers of funds.