Brussels, 06/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commissioner for Development Co-operation and Humanitarian Aid, Poul Nielson, is, presently, undertaking (from the 6 to 10 March) his first visit in Tanzania and Rwanda. The visit in Tanzania is centred on co-operation between the two countries and the role of Tanzania as a mediator in regional conflicts. Other than these talks with members of the government, Mr. Nielson will go to a refugee camp in western Tanzania.
In Rwanda, the Commissioner will meet members of the government to discuss the country's transition too democracy and the judicial follow-up to the 1994 genocide where the EU's possible role in both processes will be examined. The role of Rwanda in the Great Lakes region, and, in particular, in its contribution to the implementation of the Lusaka peace agreement will also be looked at. The Commissioner will also go to sites of the genocide, visit prisons and refugees camps. He will take advantage of his presence in Kigali to sign the National Indicative Programme, which establishes the framework for EU-Rwanda Development co-operation.