§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What further efforts the EC proposes to make to resolve the conflict in Yugoslavia, and how they propose to ensure the safety of EC observers.
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The Earl of Caithness)My Lords, the EC's conference under the chairmanship of my noble friend Lord Carrington will continue its work to help to find a political solution. We support the UN's dispatch of 50 liaison officers to Yugoslavia, and we hope the current ceasefire will continue, thus allowing the deployment of a full-scale UN peacekeeping force. The EC has reminded all the Yugoslav parties involved of their commitments to ensure the security of all members of the EC monitor mission.
§ Lord MolloyMy Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that Answer. Does he agree that this almost insoluble internecine war is one of the curses of this century? Is it not about time that other forces garnered by the EC and the United Nations were sent in? Should we not take this opportunity to congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Carrington, on his magnificent work in striving to find a solution?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, I am sure that the whole House will wish to join with the noble Lord, Lord Molloy, in praise of the work of my noble friend Lord Carrington.
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, the situation is indeed difficult. My noble friend is working closely with Cyrus Vance who is looking after the UN side. However, the security of the people whom we send to the area is paramount.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, the matter is to be discussed in the Security Council on 21st of this month. Will the Minister say therefore what proposals, if any, the Government will put before the meeting? Furthermore, will he confirm that 1 million people have been displaced by the war, and will he say what steps are being taken by the EC to help them in their plight?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, our policy is to continue the work that is being done by the UN. However, that is difficult to implement because the safety of the UN people going to the region cannot be 722 guaranteed by the parties. The next stage must be to continue the pressure on all the republics in Yugoslavia, including the two independent republics, to ensure that the security of people taking part in the ceasefire operations and in the monitoring mission can be guaranteed.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, will the Minister say whether at the important Security Council meeting Her Majesty's Government propose to announce a further step to send a substantial United Nations force into Yugoslavia?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, that is not a decision for Her Majesty's Government; it is a decision for the United Nations. Of course we wish to take that step, but the need for secure conditions in the area is important.
§ Lord BottomleyMy Lords, is it not regrettable that Yugoslavia is in its present situation? It played a prominent part in defeating the Nazis in the last war, and Britain has a trade agreement with Yugoslavia dating back for many years. I must say, modestly, that I negotiated that. In congratulating the noble Lord, Lord Carrington, would it be possible to ask him to continue his work in the hope that eventually Yugoslavia will be united again?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, I am grateful for the noble Lord's praise of my noble friend Lord Carrington. Whether Yugoslavia will be united again is a question for the people in the republics. However, at the moment that looks highly unlikely.
§ Lord MolloyMy Lords, does the Minister agree that it might be worthwhile for the United Nations to point out to the warring parties in Yugoslavia that as soon as they cease the slaying and killing, peace will be restored and the United Nations will give assistance in reconstructing their country?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, the House will be aware that there is an embargo on Serbia as a result of its actions. It knows full well that if those actions cease, the embargo will be lifted and that there will be a chance of better prosperity for everyone.
§ Lord Taylor of GryfeMy Lords, will the Minister confirm that Her Majesty's Government were somewhat reluctant to provide for the immediate recognition of the independence of Croatia? Does he believe that the immediate recognition at the behest of the German foreign ministry will contribute to the satisfactory settlement that he seeks?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, it was not a question of the principle of the recognition, but a question of the timing. That decision has now been taken and we believe that it is the right decision.