§ Mr. JoyceTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received in respect of a mass killing and mutilation of soldiers and policemen in Kisingani, Democratic Republic of the Congo. [60726]
§ Mr. MacShaneMONUC, NGOs and Congolese residents of Kisangani have reported killings on 14 May. However, the origins of the incident, the number and nature of the deaths, and responsibility for the deaths remain unclear. We have encouraged MONUC and UNHCR to conduct a speedy enquiry and to publish their findings as soon as possible.
§ Mr. JoyceTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the nature and extent of the recent uprising in the city of Kisingani and on the Haut Plateau in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and what representations he has made to the Government of 1401W Rwanda and the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Democratie about the responsibility for maintaining order. [60725]
§ Mr. MacShaneDissent amongst RCD-Goma ranks has been reported at several locations, in particular in Kisangani on 14 May and in the Hauts Plateaux since February. Information remains incomplete. It is clear however, that the rebellions have resulted in an unacceptable loss of life and that the local civilian populations have suffered. We have supported EU and UN statements condemning the violent response of the RCD-Goma leadership in Kisangani and calling on Rwanda to use its influence to calm the situation. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has raised the events in Kisangani with President Kagame.
Year Attendee Council Attended Devolved Administration 1999 Nil — — 2000 Jane Davidson Education and Youth Council, 9 November Welsh Assembly Government Nicol Stephen Education Council, 8 June Scottish Executive 2001 Nicol Stephen Education and Youth Council, 12 February Scottish Executive Susan Deacon Health Council, 4 June Scottish Executive 2002 Jane Davidson Youth Council, 30 May Welsh Assembly Government