Congo (Hansard, 10 April 2003)

§ Mr. Laws
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department is taking to restore peace in the Congo; whether it is his policy to bring about regime change in the Congo; and if he will make a statement. [108202]

§ Mr. Rammell
The UK is actively engaged with our African, EU and UN partners in promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Government have supported the implementation of both the Lusaka Peace Agreement and the Pretoria Agreement of July 2002 as providing the most viable way forward.
We warmly welcome the agreement signed in Sun City on 3 April as part of the Lusaka process, on the establishment of a transitional government with a view to democratic elections in two years time. We will continue to monitor progress carefully and help the DRC Government deliver free and fair elections which reflect the will of the Congolese people.
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We were shocked to hear of the appalling massacre of civilians by militia in the DRC's Ituri Province last week. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of all killed and those who have been injured.

§ Mr. Laurence Robertson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of the Congo following the reported massacre there; and if he will make a statement. [108519]

§ Mr. Rammell
We were shocked to learn of the appalling massacre of civilians by militia in the DRC's Ituri Province last week. My noble Friend the Baroness Amos issued a statement on 7 April strongly condemning this tragedy. I have placed a copy in the Library of the House. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of all killed and those who have been injured.
These killings, as with earlier militia attacks, underline the need to stop this senseless cycle of violence in the region. We call on all parties to stop fighting and join the political process, particularly now that a transitional government has just been agreed for the DRC covering the whole country.