HL Deb 16 May 1996 vol 572 cc63-4WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with the recommendations by Medecins Sans Frontieres, in their report on violations of humanitarian law in Chechnya; and whether they will raise the case of Chechnya in the OSCE Council of Ministers as a severe and continuing breach of Russia's obligations under the OSCE's Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security agreed at the Budapest Summit in December 1994.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Yes. We have consistently called for an end to attacks on civilians and for all sides to offer full co-operation to agencies distributing medical and humanitarian assistance. The OSCE Assistance Group in Grozny continues to enjoy our full support.

As for raising Chechnya in the OSCE Council of Ministers, we shall review the situation nearer the date of the next meeting in early December.