Bosnia: Peace Prospects (Hansard, 9 March 1994)

§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)
My Lords, talks continue between the Bosnian Government, the Croatian Republic and representatives of the Bosnian Croats to build on the framework agreement initialled in Washington on 1st March. This represents a useful step towards a political settlement. The ceasefires in Sarajevo and central Bosnia are also encouraging developments. The United Kingdom is working actively with other countries to build on the momentum generated.

Lord Campbell of Croy
My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for her reply. In the new situation of the Croat-Moslem agreement in central Bosnia and the truce around Sarajevo, does she agree that a special effort should now be made to keep and extend this welcome pacification, before the opportunity passes, using more UN troops, as recommended by the general on the spot, including forces offered by Turkey, if needed?

§ Baroness Chalker of Wallasey
My Lords, we indeed wish to extend the peace-making that has already occurred. We pay tribute to General Rose and the UN troops for the excellent work that they have carried out. I believe that the agreements are placing considerable extra demands on UNPROFOR, and that is why we have said that we are prepared to make a substantial extra contribution as part of the wider international effort. I can tell my noble friend that discussions are going on in New York at this very time with potential troop contributors to see how we can move forward as quickly as possible. There is obviously a complication about neighbouring countries and where troops, if offered, might be deployed within the region. I believe that there may be a way of working that out. We have a unique opportunity at this time to build on the peace agreements that have been achieved; and we intend to do so.

§ Lord Ennals
My Lords, does the Minister accept that from all parts of this House there will be a warm welcome for the role that Her Majesty's Government have apparently been playing in trying to bring together an effective response to the UN request? Can she say a little more as to when she thinks an agreement can be reached? Does she share my view that it is very urgent that the troops be quickly on the ground in order to substantiate the negotiations so effectively carried out by the United Nations, including General Rose?

§ Baroness Chalker of Wallasey
My Lords, I understand the noble Lord's anxiety on this matter. I cannot give him a definite time. All I can tell him is that our representative at the United Nations is meeting with 1430 his fellow representatives there. We believe that it is important that other countries respond positively to the UNPROFOR request. We have a really important opportunity to secure progress on the ground. Noble Lords may like to know that yesterday the first trams for 23 months ran in Sarajevo as a result of work by engineers and others supplied by this country. They and the Americans are already working on the restoration of water, power and sanitation in Sarajevo. We want to see that kind of work right across Bosnia.

§ Lord Mackie of Benshie
My Lords, do I understand that the noble Baroness is saying that the Government have not yet made up their mind to send troops; that it is conditional upon other countries sending troops; and that they are not going to respond to the request of General Rose?

§ Baroness Chalker of Wallasey
My Lords, it would be fair to say that there is no final decision. Being the second largest contributor, I believe it right that others should contribute too. That is why our efforts have been to make sure that General Rose gets the kind of numbers that he needs. We certainly could not supply those kind of numbers ourselves.

§ The Earl of Lauderdale
My Lords, can my noble friend tell the House whether the Russians continue to be co-operative and helpful in influencing the Serbs, who do not respond very well to being bullied?

§ Baroness Chalker of Wallasey
My Lords, yes, indeed the Russians are being helpful. We need their help very much because the Krajina Serb problem needs solving just as much as all the other problems.

§ Lord Taylor of Gryfe
My Lords, does the Minister agree that one of the sad features of the situation has been the inability of the European Union to play a positive part in these proceedings? Will she confirm that the matter is now reaching settlement between the large powers to the exclusion of Europe, which has the problem on its doorstep? Can she now tell us the status of the European peace effort and particularly the status of the noble Lord, Lord Owen, who has been responsible for those negotiations?

§ Baroness Chalker of Wallasey
My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Owen, as the European Union's representative, continues to work alongside all the other efforts that are taking place; and, of course, individual European nations have contributed very largely to the success of UNPROFOR.

§ Baroness Blackstone
My Lords, would the Minister confirm that some 19 countries are today discussing in New York sending further UN troops to Bosnia? If that report is right, could she be a little more forthcoming as to what the British contribution to that extra force will be?

§ Baroness Chalker of Wallasey
I regret, my Lords, no, not at present.

§ Lord Bonham-Carter
My Lords, will the Minister confirm that this is a classic case of willing the ends and not the means? Does she agree that it is intolerable that 1431 the commander that we appointed, who has asked for positive help for a purpose with which we all agree, should not be given the means to carry out his job?

§ Baroness Chalker of Wallasey
My Lords, the commander is appointed by the United Nations. We shall play our role, but it is not right that Britain alone should bear an increasing amount. We must bear it with others including the French and the Dutch as well as many nations who have not yet put in any troops.