Written question asked by Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 1 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 2004. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps (a) the Government, (b) the European Union and (c) the United Nations Security Council are taking to prevent the deterioration of relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps (a) the Government, (b) the European Union and (c) the United Nations Security Council are taking to prevent the deterioration of relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; and if he will make a statement. [202533] Mr. Mullin: We are concerned by the ongoing problems between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We are working with the Security Council, EU and regional partners to seek an urgent solution to the problem. We have urged both sides to use existing mechanisms such as the Joint Verification Mechanism and Tripartite Agreement to resolve the difficulties between them through dialogue. The UK and all partners have made clear to Rwanda that any incursion into the territory of the DRC would be unacceptable. Concerted international effort is also required to disarm foreign armed groups on DRC territory.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 202533; 428 c893-4W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Armed forces Foreign relations Peacekeeping operations Security Diplomatic relations EU external relations Democratic Republic of the Congo Rwanda
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk