§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What development activities are being considered by the European Commission in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, as mentioned in its country strategy paper Bangladesh 2002–2006; and in what way they expect these activities to have a positive impact on the peace process. [HL4023]
§ Baroness AmosThe European Commission sent a programming mission to the Chittagong Hill Tracts in January. It identified possible interventions in water resource management and other sectors. Implementation of these interventions is prone to social and political risk given the continuing instability in the region. The European Commission is still committed to programming 60 million euro in the CHT from 2002–06 but is likely to work up new initiatives carefully in the light of political developments and progress with the peace accord. Further details will be in its National Indicative Programme for Bangladesh, which should be approved by October. The EC maintains close dialogue with the UK Government and other donors on its development plans and implementation of the peace accord.