§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What discussions they have had with Government Ministers from the Republic of Somaliland; and whether they agree with the submission by those Ministers that the international community should pay more attention to an administration which is founded on the principles of democracy and the rule of law. [HL5292]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanMy honourable friend the Minister for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Chris Mullin) met with two representatives of the Somaliland authorities, Edna Adan Ismail and Mohammed Hashi Elmi, on 2 October. The British Government have provided support to the development of multi-party democracy in Somaliland and are considering how they might increase their development assistance in the light of Somaliland's democratic achievements. Our Ambassador in Addis Ababa visited Hargeisa last week and discussed possible areas of support with the Somaliland authorities.