Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 June 1997. It was answered by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Monday, 2 June 1997 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: When Her Majesty's Government intends to recognise the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Answer: Mr. Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's Government intends to recognise the Democratic Republic of Congo. [1029] Mr. Lloyd: The Government's policy is to recognise States not governments. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the new name of the State recognised by the United Kingdom and formerly known as Zaire. The Government has accepted the new name as the official name of the country. The change of name has no effect on UK recognition of the State itself.

Secondary information