asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress is being made to make available helicopter units to the United Nations African Mission in Darfur; what was the outcome of the recent meeting of military advisers in New York convened by the United Kingdom on this matter; and what further steps will be taken. [HL1800]

We helped to convene two meetings in New York in January between the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and a number of countries to discuss helicopter provision for the African Union/UN hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID), after which the DPKO is following up with potential contributing countries. We remain in close contact with the DPKO and partners to discuss how we can continue to support efforts to find helicopters, as well as other support to UNAMID.