To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo concerning internal conflicts; what advice was given; and what assistance was offered. [117694]

We have regular discussions with the President and Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and with President Kabila's National Committee for the implementation of the Global Accord, signed by all Congolese parties in December 2002. In concert with our international partners we continue to underline to all parties to the conflict the importance of abiding by their commitments to the peace process, and of reuniting the country under a transitional national government to prepare for elections.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Governments of (a) Uganda, (b) Rwanda, (c) Angola arid (d) Zimbabwe concerning the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement. [117695]

We regularly discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes with regional governments, including Rwanda, Uganda and Angola. We remain concerned by the situation in the DRC, particularly the humanitarian crisis in the north-eastern Ituri region. We were active in encouraging the governments of Rwanda and Uganda to respond positively to the UN Secretary-General's request to send an Interim Emergency Multinational Force to Bunia (Ituri region).