§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the implications of the forthcoming change of leadership in the transitional Government of Burundi; and what plans she has to provide(a) financial and (b) political support to enable the deployment of observers and peacekeeping troops to Burundi. [103081]
§ Mr. RammellI have been asked to reply.
With the international community we remain committed to supporting the Arusha process and the transitional government institutions. We have given extensive support to South African Vice President Zuma and his facilitation team. We and our EU partners have committed €1.23 million to finance the African Union Observer Mission in Burundi. We now stand ready to assist financially the deployment of the African Mission, which is central to the success of the 2 December ceasefire. It is important that there is a smooth hand over of power in the Transitional National Government of Burundi. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
§ Mr. LeighTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the Government are doing to promote peace in Burundi. [103104]
§ Mr. RammellI have been asked to reply.
The UK continues to monitor the situation in Burundi closely. With the international community, we remain committed to supporting the Arusha process and the transitional government institutions. We have given extensive support to South African Vice President Zuma and his facilitation team. We and EU partners have committed €1.23 million to finance the African Union Observer Mission in Burundi. We stand ready to assist financially the deployment of the African Mission, which is central to the success of the 2 December ceasefire.