§ 19. Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the demonstrations for democracy in Belgrade; and if he will make a statement. [9251]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe welcome the decisions yesterday by the electoral commissions in Belgrade and Nis to restore the opposition victories in the recent local elections, but we continue to urge President Milosevic to 320 implement fully and without delay the recommendations of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe report on those elections.
§ Mr. BarnesIs the Minister aware of the tradition of democratic and humanitarian opposition in Belgrade? The conflict that took place before the break-up of Yugoslavia was essentially a conflict in Belgrade in which Serb fought Serb, including the forces of Milosevic. What role is played in Serbia by people such as John Kennedy, prospective parliamentary candidate for Halesowen and Stourbridge, who, when I was in Belgrade in 1992, was as much disliked by the independent television service as was Milosevic himself?
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWith regard to the serious part of that question, I am indeed aware of the long history of democratic opposition in former Yugoslavia, particularly in Serbia. I trust that such democracy will shortly be restored and that proper democratic election results will be honoured. There are optimistic signs of that, but we must remain extremely alert to any backsliding.
As for Mr. Kennedy, I suggest that the hon. Gentleman ask him.