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Dept for International Development

Answer

Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions her Department has had with the Governments of (a) Democratic Republic of Congo, (b) Rwanda and (c) Uganda regarding the situation in the DRC; and if she will make a statement. [77642] Clare Short: We maintain a regular and frank dialogue with each of the Governments of DRC, Uganda and Rwanda on the situation in DRC. We have particularly welcomed the signing of the Pretoria Agreement between DRC and Rwanda and the Luanda Agreement between DRC and Uganda. They are major steps towards peace in the region. The Rwandans have withdrawn their troops from DRC. The Ugandans have completed their withdrawal except for some troops the UN has asked to stay in the troubled town of Bunia. The DRC has taken some steps to arrest leading genocidaires and suggest to that political leadership of the genocidaires that they are no longer welcome in Kinshahsa but are dragging their feet on agreement to a transitional government including representatives of the armed and unarmed opposition. The Congo has suffered long enough from kleptocracy and more recently from war. We want to work with all parties in the region and the international community to start to rebuild the DRC so that its people and all those of the region can start to enjoy the benefits of peace.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

77642; 392 c323-4W;392 c342-3W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Armed conflict International cooperation Uganda Peace negotiations Democratic Republic of the Congo Rwanda

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk