HC Deb 14 February 2003 vol 400 cc53-4W
Patrick Mercer

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) in what measures the Government is involved to strengthen Nepal's(a) military and (b) police capacity; [96668]

(2) in what initiatives the Government is involved to create a lasting peace in Nepal. [96667]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Government welcomes the ceasefire agreed between the Government of Nepal and the Maoists on 29 January. We remain committed to working with the Nepalese, and our international partners, towards a lasting peace in Nepal and we continue to coordinate international efforts to help resolve the conflict in Nepal. This is largely being done through the International Support Group, a body formed as a result of the international conference hosted by the UK in London in June. Further to our £22 million bilateral development programme, we have a package of £6.7 million under our Global Conflict Prevention Pool. Projects funded from this pool are aimed at short-term development and reinforcing Nepal's development, military and police capacity.

An advisor from the Department for International Development is working with the Inspectorate General of Police in Nepal on reforms to modernise and enhance the professionalism of the police. This includes support to establish an Independent Police Service Commission, enhance police training and extend community policing.

For details of our military assistance to Nepal, I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 6 November 2003, Official Report, column 310W, to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge).