§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the implications of recent unrest in the Ivory Coast for British defence interests in West Africa. [91226]
§ Mr. IngramThe United Kingdom is deeply concerned at the situation in Cote d'Ivoire. We continue to work with the French and other partners to support regional efforts to reach a peaceful political settlement. A resolution of the Cote d'Ivoire crisis is essential for stability of the West Africa region. However there are not considered to be any serious implications for British defence interests in West Africa at this time.