LIBERIAN TIMBER

Early day motion 1036, tabled 8 April 2003 by Tony Lloyd (Labour). Signed by 74 members.

That this House notes the continuing de-stabilising influence of the Liberian regime on West Africa; recognises that since the imposition of UN sanctions on rough diamonds this regime has become increasingly reliant on the export of timber to fund itself; is concerned that their is compelling evidence which links Liberian timber companies with the illegal import of arms to Liberia and the Liberian timber is still being imported to the UK; welcomes the fact that the UN sanctions on Liberia are due to be discussed by the Security Council at the beginning of May; and calls on the UK Government to press for the re-imposition of sanctions on the Liberian regime and for those sanctions to be extended to cover timber exports from Liberia.

Signatures by party: Labour 44, Liberal Democrat 19, Conservative 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 1.