HC Deb 13 December 1991 vol 200 cc593-4W
Sir Russell Johnston

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom will recognise the independence of Slovenia and Croatia.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We accept that those Yugoslav republics which desire independence will have it. We have to judge whether recognition would exacerbate the situation in Croatia or increase the real danger of civil war in other republics. We are working towards recognition as part of a negotiated general settlement involving all Yugoslav parties. This is the only way of guaranteeing the rights of minorities.