Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 10 February 2009.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Question: My Lords, while acknowledging the importance of the sanctions committee, I should like to ask the noble Lord about other matters that are outstanding from this and previous resolutions of the Security Council. In particular, what steps are being taken towards the reprofessionalisation and re-equipment of the national army to a smaller size so that it can fulfil its own commitments to protecting the civilian population? Given that in the recent rampage by the LRA in Haut-Uele, MONUC was able to supply only logistical help, can the noble Lord answer the question put to him by the noble Lord, Lord Howell of Guildford, about when we expect the additional 3,000 troops, and the 20 helicopters that were supposed to accompany them, to be provided by the Security Council?

Answer: My Lords, that is a clear demand and we expect it to be fulfilled in the near future. There is no doubt that MONUC requires increased resources. The other aspect of arms for the army and its professionalisation is helped by the sanctions procedures which we intend to fulfil and we expect the United Nations to do so as well. If we can stop the flow of arms to the illegitimate groups in the Congo, by definition, we strengthen the position of the law enforcement authorities and the proper responsible Government. We know how we need to take action regarding the effectiveness of the sanctions, and we intend to do so.

Secondary information