§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What assistance they are giving to the Kingdom of Nepal in its fight against terrorism. [HL4219]
§ Baroness AmosWe are very concerned about the situation in Nepal. The brutal Maoist insurgency is undermining Nepal's young democracy and fragile economy, and adding to 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 have already provided considerable assistance to the Nepalese Government in the form of logistical equipment, training and support for the RNA and substantial development aid. We are actively considering early additional assistance including the supply of radios to improve communication within the Royal Nepalese Army—a key shortcoming—and training programmes developed to increase their awareness of human rights issues.
My right honourable Friends the Prime Minister, Clare Short the Secretary of State for International Development, and my honourable Friend Ben Bradshaw held meetings with the Nepalese Prime Minister during his 13–14 May visit, at which these matters were discussed. We are working with international partners and others to identify means of supporting the Nepalese Government in their conflict with the Maoist insurgency and identify ways to promote a sustainable peace.
Britain is the second largest bilateral donor to Nepal. The bilateral aid programme for this year is around £22 million.