Written question asked by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 December 2003. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 December 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if it is his policy that the reform of the forest sector in Liberia should be a precondition to the lifting of UN sanctions on timber from Liberia.

Answer: Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy that the reform of the forest sector in Liberia should be a precondition to the lifting of UN sanctions on timber from Liberia. [143495] Mr. Mullin: We believe that timber sanctions should remain until Liberia has reformed the timber sector to ensure that this natural resource cannot be used to further conflict. The Liberian Government must establish authority and control over timber producing areas; oversight mechanisms enabling responsible and environmentally sustainable business practices, and transparent accounting and auditing mechanisms. This should ensure that timber industry revenues are used for legitimate social, humanitarian and development purposes for the benefit of the Liberian people.

Secondary information