Algeria

Lord Dholakia Excerpts

Thursday 27th March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

My noble friend always speaks with great authority and passion about the Commonwealth. Once again, he has indicated something on which I think our ministerial colleagues should reflect. I shall certainly take that back to the FCO.

[Lord Dholakia (LD)]

My Lords, my noble friend will be aware that our Government are involved in projects designed to promote stability and peace in Algeria. To what extent are the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy involved in such projects? What mechanisms are being established so that there is proper evaluation of the outcomes?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

I think the organisations to which my noble friend has alluded, not just in Algeria but across the world, play a very important role. It has to be made clear that this is not about interference; it is about the value of sharing good practice and governance procedures. I would point out that Algeria increasingly sees itself as an exporter of stability. For example, it recently hosted peace talks between the Malian Government and opposition groups, and it co-operates well on border security with Mali. Over recent months, Algeria and Tunisia have also increased their co-operation on security issues of mutual concern.