§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they would support peace-keeping operations in the Ivory Coast under the control of the United Nations; and what is their policy towards the Ivory Coast, in the light of the New Partnership for Africa's Development and the G8 Action Plan agreed in 2002. [HL1086]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Amos)We remain concerned at the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire and its implications for the wider region. We are working closely with the French and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for a peaceful resolution. We urge the Ivorian parties now meeting in Paris to engage seriously in the search for an inclusive political solution.
Both NEPAD and the G8 Africa Action Plan emphasise the wish of Africa's leaders to address the long-term development needs of the continent. Peace and security are key elements of this. We are supporting the ECOWAS peace-monitoring force, which has already begun to deploy in Côte d'Ivoire. The UK is providing £2 million to assist the Ghanaian contingent. We welcome the political support which the UN Security Council has provided for the peace process. Its continued engagement will be important if this is to succeed.