§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what conditions relative to activity in the Democratic Republic of Congo his Department attaches to the provision of aid to(a) Uganda and (b) Rwanda; what reports the Government has received on compliance with those conditions; and if he will make a statement. [136404]
§ Hilary BennUK development assistance to Uganda and Rwanda is provided to enable those Governments to implement their poverty reduction strategies, which are developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including the partner governments. Our assistance continues to be subject to these Governments' commitment to the promotion of peace and stability within the Great Lakes region, including the promotion of transparency and legality regarding the exploitation of the region's natural resources.
Our judgment is that the Governments of Rwanda and Uganda are committed to regional stability, based on regular discussions with them and reports from Posts and other sources. Both countries have withdrawn their 442W forces from the DRC. Both have also established commissions to investigate allegations made in the UN Panel Report about the exploitation of natural resources in the DRC. In Uganda, the Porter Commission reported to Government in May 2003. We are urging the Government of Rwanda to publish the findings of their National Judicial Commission and to take action where allegations are proven. Our assistance to Uganda is also conditional upon the Government conducting a comprehensive and strategic Defence Review, including a thorough analysis of external threats. The UK is providing support for this process, which is about to produce its recommendations.
The UK seeks to help resolve conflict and establish conditions for genuine development in the whole of the Great Lakes region. We are beginning a significant development programme in DRC, following the establishment of the Transitional National Government in July. We hope that over the medium term, this will become a substantial Development Partnership, similar in nature to those we have with Uganda and Rwanda,