§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department intends to give to the new African Union. [71138]
§ Clare shortDFID has worked with the African Union through its transition from the Organisation of African Unity into the new African Union. DFID provides support to the African Union's Conflict Management Centre, to enhance its capacity to prevent, resolve and manage conflict in Africa. Capacity is being built through the funding of staff posts, including four specialists, to increase early warning analysis and to improve recommendations to the secretary general.
In financial terms, DFID expects to provide £480,000 from 2002–03 to 2003–04, through the Africa Conflict Prevention Pool, and provided £530,000 between 1999 and 2001–02.
§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the African Union. [71137]
§ Clare shortI warmly congratulate the African Union on its inauguration, and endorse the message of support sent by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to its first summit. The African Union has great potential to play an integral part in resolving the many problems faced by Africa today, including the need for a resolution of conflicts, better economic management and integration, improved health and education systems.