Written question asked by David Leslie Taylor (Labour) on Friday, 7 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 November 2008. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Monday, 24 November 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Arms Trade

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the Rwandan Government on the provision of arms and supplies to rebel military forces operating in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last three years; and what representations are planned.

Answer: The Minister maintains a regular and close dialogue with the Government of Rwanda on all aspects of regional security under the terms of the memorandum of Understanding signed between the UK and the Government of Rwanda in 2006. This includes the issue of the provision of arms and supplies to military forces operating in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised these issues when he visited Kigali on 1 November.

Secondary information