§ John RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the political situation in the Central African Republic. [105427]
§ Mr. RammellWe are deeply concerned about the overthrow on 15 March of the democratically elected government of the Central African Republic. As the first successful coup d'etat in Africa in over three years, it is a serious retrograde step. We condemn it unequivocally, as we condemn any unconstitutional seizure of power. We support the European Union declaration of 21 March that urges the resumption of political dialogue and early progress towards the restoration of the democratic process. We call on all parties in the region to support these aims and to respect the territorial integrity of the country.