Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 16 July 2009.

Somalia

Question: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. I also take this opportunity to thank him for the way in which he has answered Questions, prepared Statements and briefings to us all during his tenure at the Dispatch Box. My Lords, in connection with that Answer, I am sure that the noble Lord is aware of the UN Security Council’s concern over the reports of Eritrea arming al-Shabaab insurgents in Somalia in breach of the UN embargo. Should these reports prove to be true, will the Government support a call for sanctions against Eritrea? Finally, AMISOM is seriously underfunded and underresourced and has no mandate to engage with the militants in Somalia. In that situation, what chance is there of any success for AMISOM without a full settlement in the region and a resolution of the boundary dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia?

Answer: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his remarks about me. I fear that it is in all likelihood the case that the Eritrean involvement will be confirmed. As ever, it is enormously important that effective measures are taken against Eritrea. First, we need to make sure that what we do will work, because in the past Eritrea has defied the will of the international community and has, if you like, called the international community’s bluff. Secondly, I agree entirely that we need to strengthen AMISOM and its mandate. The UK has given it £15.8 million this year. We are encouraged by the suggestions that it will adopt, just as it did this last weekend, a more robust and proactive approach to suppressing the insurgency.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 712 c1261-2
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Armed conflict Arms trade Peacekeeping operations Sanctions African Union Somalia Eritrea Ethiopia
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk