Conflict Resolution (Hansard, 11 January 2005)

§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Foreign and Commonwealth's (FCO) strategy, published in 2003, included "an international system based on the rule of law, which is better able to resolve disputes and prevent conflicts", as one of the Government's eight highest strategic international priorities for the UK. In support of this objective, the FCO, the Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development share the following joint public service agreement target: "By 2007–08, improve effectiveness of UK and international support for conflict prevention, through addressing long-term structural causes of conflict, managing regional and national tension and violence, and supporting post-conflict reconstruction, where the UK can make a significant difference, in particular Africa, Asia, the Balkans and the Middle East".

Effort to prevent and resolve conflict is fundamental to the Government's multilateral and bilateral security activity. The Government are actively engaged around the world in conflict resolution, for example in Afghanistan, west Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans. The Government are also working hard to improve multilateral institutions' willingness and ability to act effectively in preventing and resolving conflicts, including in the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and through the development of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and European Union security and defence capabilities. The Government will use their G8 presidency in 2005 to reinforce efforts to improve security and stability in Africa. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister has welcomed the report of the UN Secretary General's High-Level Panel, published on 2 December 2004, which makes a wide range of recommendations aimed at improving the international response to threats to global peace and security. The Government will be giving the UN Secretary General firm support in taking this agenda forward.

The FCO strategy and strategic priorities are available on the Internet at the following address— http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename = Open Market/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c = Page&cid = 10679679 03739#Prioritiesߞand are available in the Library of the House.