§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his Department has(a) offered and (b) provided to the Government of Uganda to (i) initiate, (ii) facilitate and (iii) co-ordinate talks with the Lord's Resistance Army; and if he will make a statement. [168552]
§ Mr. MullinThe Ugandan Government has not requested direct assistance from the UK. However, we continue to support mediation initiatives by the Ugandan Government and local leaders, who we believe are best placed to achieve a sustainable peace. Since 2001, we have spent nearly £1 million on conflict reduction and peace initiatives in Uganda. This includes the development of Mega FM Radio, which is playing an important part in attempts to develop dialogue. A further £1.6 million has been set aside up to March 2005.