§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what(a) international and (b) EIJ aid is planned to be provided to the Solomon Islands; and if he will make a statement. [124580]
§ Hilary BennInternational donor efforts for development of the Solomon Islands have been seriously constrained by the lawlessness that has followed the ethnic violence and coup of 2000. We welcome the regional initiative led by Australia and New Zealand—now under discussion—to help restore stability and create a window for donors to contribute to reconstruction efforts. EU member states will this week discuss the contribution that the EU might make to a co-ordinated donor response, once security is restored and needs properly assessed. The Solomon Islands will also be discussed next week at a meeting of international donors in Sydney.