§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his Answer of 3 February 2003,Official Report, column 7W, on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whether he has received the further information requested from the UN Expert Panel. [116213]
§ Mr. RammellThe UK Government have not received any of the requested information from the UN Expert Panel on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Since 3 February, the UK Government have made several further requests to the Panel for information. On 11 March the UKs Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN asked for specific information relating UK linked companies and individuals to the exploitation of natural resources in the DRC. The UKs National Contact Point for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has asked the Panel on several occasions, including at the OECDs conference in Paris on 11 April, for details of communications with UK linked companies alleged to have breached OECD guidelines. Officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office wrote to the Chair of the Panel on 29 May asking for evidence supporting the allegations against UK linked companies and individuals.
§ Mr. LeighTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be made on whether to provide British troops for a United Nations military force tasked with restoring peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [116471]
§ Mr. RammellWe can confirm that the UN has asked the UK and others to participate in an Interim Emergency Multinational Force (IEMF) to stabilise the 243W situation in Bunia (Ituri region of north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo). We think it important to contribute to this force, to support the UN and the DRC peace process. The UK will therefore participate in the IEMF. We are in consultation with those involved about the most appropriate and effective contribution the UK can make.