§ Mr. William PowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been decided by the EC Council of Ministers on establishing an ad hoc war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia; what action has been taken by the French and Italian Governments on drafting a statute for the tribunal; what action has been taken by Her Majesty's Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggEC Foreign Ministers expressed their readiness on 13 January to support the creation of an international criminal court at the United Nations to deal with war crimes in former Yugoslavia. We understand that, separately, the French and Italian Governments have tasked committees of national legal experts to examine options to bring those responsible to justice.
§ Mr. William PowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will establish a committee of United Kingdom experts to draft the statute for an ad hoc war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo. A United Kingdom initiative along these lines would unnecessarily duplicate work being done by Ambassador Corell, the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe human rights rapporteur, and in other forums on a draft statute.