§ 11. Mr. John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood)If he will make a statement on the security situation in the Balkans. [128428]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr. Adam Ingram)The overall security situation in the Balkans remains stable.
§ Mr. WilkinsonCan the Minister then explain why the European Union has not yet taken over control of the peacekeeping elements of the Alliance in Bosnia? Why 10 has NATO maintained its command structure in that area? Does the Minister foresee a change in the current arrangements?
§ Mr. IngramThe hon. Gentleman is aware that the autumn periodic mission review is being carried out by NATO and that will condition our thinking about the NATO posture in the months ahead. The close relationship between NATO and the EU looking towards the future structure in Bosnia will continue and we will work in harmony to achieve that end.
§ David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire)Following the assassination of Zoran Djindjic on 12 March in Belgrade, a state of emergency was declared and more than a thousand people were detained by the Serbian police. There have been widespread allegations that torture is being used to extract information from those who have been arrested. Could the Minister tell the House what observations and knowledge he has of that?
§ Mr. IngramI can give my hon. Friend an absolute assurance that where there is any breach of human rights in any of the areas where we have an interest and personnel on the ground, we would carry out the actions required to ensure full compliance with human rights. I point out to my hon. Friend that it is not just a matter of the United Kingdom's interest in the matter—it is the United Nations and all the other nations that are trying to make sure that the Balkans and Bosnia come into the comity of nations as part of the overall objectives that we are seeking by our presence on the ground there.
§ Mr. Crispin Blunt (Reigate)How long has the badly overstretched British Army been in Kosovo, and how long does the Secretary of State expect it to remain there?
§ Mr. IngramUntil the job is done.