HL Deb 11 January 2005 vol 668 cc29-30WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What reports they have received of the call by the Force Commander of the United Nations operations in Côte d'lvoire for that force's mandate to be reassessed. [HL586]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Secretary-General's most recent report on the United Nations operation in Côte d'lvoire (UNOCI), published on 9 December, recommends strengthening the ability of UNOCI to implement its mandate. Measures recommended include the deployment of an additional 1,226 military personnel to join the operation.

Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that the United Nations Security Council is responding with sufficient speed to the situation in Côte d'lvoire. [HL587]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

An arms embargo on Côte D'lvoire is in place and the Sanctions Committee of Côte d'lvoire has begun its work and held meetings on 6 and 16 December 2004. The United Nations Security Council supports the African Union (AU) peace initiative led by South African President Mbeki, and will discuss next steps on 15 January, based on his report on the AU Political and Security Committee on 10 January.