HL Deb 10 May 1991 vol 528 cc57-8WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the committee of senior officials of the CSCE meeting in Vienna in January 1991, considered matters relating to Yugoslavia.

The Earl of Caithness

Yes.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether mandatory third-party involvement, for the peaceful settlement of disputes, is possible under the CSCE in cases of disputes arising between Republics within a federal state which is a member of the conference; and if so, whether the consent of all parties involved is necessary.

The Earl of Caithness

No. The dispute settlement mechanism, whose provisions were agreed by experts from CSCE States at Valletta in February, can only, as currently constituted, address disputes between states. However, the Valletta meeting identified 10 principles governing the peaceful settlement of disputes in general. The Yugoslav federal authorities were party to this agreement and it is open for them, and the constituent Republics, to agree to apply these principles to their disputes.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To what extent the CSCE is taking cognizance of internal problems within Yugoslavia; and in particular whether the committee of senior officials, the secretariat, the conflicts prevention centre, and the meeting of experts on national minorities are considering the protection of minorities within Yugoslavia.

The Earl of Caithness

The situation in Yugoslavia was raised by the representatives of a number of states, including the UK, when the CSCE committee of senior officials met on 28th and 29th of January. The committee has a remit to review current issues whenever it meets. The situation of national minorities in the 34 participating states will be considered at the meeting of experts in Geneva from 1st to 19th July.