Written question asked by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Conservative) on Monday, 8 January 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 January 2007. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Monday, 15 January 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the outcome of recent talks between representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Government and Laurent Nkunda; and what recent steps she has taken to secure a peaceful end to conflict in DRC.

Answer: Reports suggest that Laurent Nkunda met with General John Numbi and other Congolese army representatives in early January. It is important for stability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the region that the situation in North Kivu is resolved. We support the efforts of the Congolese Government to do so in a way that avoids causing further suffering to the population of North Kivu.The UK continues to support the Congolese Government, the UN peacekeeping force in the DRC (MONUC), and other bilateral and multinational efforts to secure an end to the conflict and lasting peace in DRC. Successful elections for which the UK was the leading bilateral donor, were an important part of that process. The UK is actively supporting Congolese army reform, which is also crucial to the country’s long-term security.

Secondary information