HC Deb 10 July 2002 vol 388 c1017W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what level of military assistance is to be offered to the Government of Nepal; and if he will make a statement. [67426]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

We are very concerned about the situation in Nepal. The brutal Maoist insurgency is undermining Nepal's young democracy and fragile economy, and adding to the regional instability. The Nepalese Government will continue to have our full support in dealing with the political, military and developmental aspects of the crisis. We are working with our international partners to develop an integrated approach to security, reform and development. We believe military assistance should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to a resolution of the conflict.

We have provided considerable assistance to the Nepalese Government in the form of training and logistical support for the RNA. This includes training for the Royal Nepalese Army in media operations training, civil affairs training and human rights awareness training. We have also provided low level assistance in the form of various items of logistical equipment. This includes communications equipment and a number of used vehicles.

We plan to give further assistance in the areas of intelligence, military training and equipment in the future.

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