§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on(a) the progress of the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo, (b) her recent visit to the region and (c) the latest International Crisis Group report on the Inter-Congolese dialogue. [18635]
§ Clare ShortI had a useful visit to the region in August where I met with Presidents Kagame and Museveni, President Kabila and Mr. Bemba, Mr. Onusumba and representatives of MONUC among others to discuss the importance of moving the Lusaka Peace Process forward. These have been some promising signs in recent months with no major ceasefire violations, the start of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue (due to reconvene in the new year), and more frank discussions about disarmament, demobilisation, and re-integration. But the situation remains fragile. The international community needs to give its full support to pushing all the elements of the Lusaka Peace Process forward, including the Inter-Congolese Dialogue.
§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will respond to the UN report of the Panel of Exports on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and other Forms of Wealth in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in particular section III part D. [18630]
§ Clare ShortWe welcome the publication of the revised report last week. We believe it is an improvement on the previous highly flawed report. We shall raise any specific allegations with the Governments concerned and press them to take action to investigate substantiated allegations against groups and individuals. But we also believe that the way forward for the region—including better management of mineral resources—is the full implementation of the Lusaka peace accord.