§ 8. Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his EC colleagues about the situation in Bosnia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence regularly meets ministerial colleagues from EU nations to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the situation in Bosnia.
§ Mr. MullinCan the Minister give an assurance that British and EEC troops will remain in Bosnia until there is a comprehensive settlement? Is he satisfied that British troops in Bosnia have been receiving adequate back-up from the United Nations? I am thinking of a couple of incidents last month—one in which Serb tanks were permitted to run through the Sarajevo exclusion zone and another in which the arms of British soldiers were confiscated and their commander was obliged by the Serbs to read out a humiliating statement.
§ Mr. HanleyThe hon. Gentleman points to two instances which we greatly regret. However, during my visit there last week, when I spent three days in Bosnia and on the Adriatic, I discovered that the position has changed dramatically for the better. There is now an almost comprehensive peace throughout the middle of Bosnia, the ceasefire between the Croats and the Bosnian Muslims is sticking and the cessation of hostilities along the confrontation line is managing to be sustained. There are occasional instances of firing, either of mortar or small arms, but the work that our troops are doing there is still extremely important and valuable. Due to their work, we have probably saved hundreds of thousands of lives in the time that we have been there. While decisions have still to be taken, we shall continue to do that good work for as long as necessary.
§ Mr. CormackDoes my hon. Friend accept that if there has been an improvement—which we warmly welcome—it is because the Serbs at last believe that we mean to hold firm to our resolve to keep the safe areas safe? Will he ensure that the Serbs are never again given the false signals that allowed them to bombard Gorazde?
§ Mr. HanleyI believe that an element of realism has broken out on all sides of the conflict. I hope that the relative peace that exists now will lead to a comprehensive peace. The only form of peace that we can have in the Balkans is one at a political level between politicians. We cannot enforce a military solution there, but we can do much to help in the meantime. I believe that my hon. Friend is right in his analysis.