§ 14. Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the situation in Bosnia.
§ Mr. RifkindBritish forces continue to play a major part in supporting the United Nations in the former Yugoslavia. They operate in difficult and frequently dangerous conditions with the superb professionalism that we have come to expect. I am sure that the House will join me in paying tribute to all those involved in this important work.
§ Mr. MacdonaldWill the Defence Secretary have another go at answering the question that I asked earlier? If NATO forces were to be fully deployed in Bosnia under 178 United Nations auspices, would not they have the capability of imposing an effective ceasefire within a relatively short period of time?
§ Mr. RifkindThe hon. Gentleman's question implies that military involvement by NATO would be a short, sharp exercise. He has to accept that very few would agree with that judgment. He might reflect on the fact that the United Nations operation in Cyprus, an infinitely less difficult operation, has continued for over 28 years. The hon. Gentleman should consider whether that might apply in the case of Bosnia.