HC Deb 09 June 1993 vol 226 cc260-1W
Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will call for a specific investigation of alleged Croatian atrocities and war crimes in the former Yugoslavia at the next meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The investigation into violations of international humanitarian law in the former Yugoslavia, by all parties to the conflict, is being conducted by the United Nations Commission of Experts established under United Nations Security Council resolution 780.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to support the principle of trials for suspected war criminals in the former Yugoslavia regardless of the ethnic origins of either the perpetrators or the alleged victims; and if he will make a statement on the United Nations Security Council's decision to set up an international tribunal to deal with such war crimes.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We fully support the UN Security Council's decision to establish an ad hoc tribunal to try those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law in the former Yugoslavia. The tribunal is mandated to bring alleged perpetrators from any of the parties to justice.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to support the reconvening of the London conference on the former Yugoslavia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

There may be a case for reconvening the London conference at the right time. But, before going ahead, there would need to be prior agreement among all parties on objectives and a clear idea of the desired outcome. We would give particular weight to the views of the co-chairmen of the steering committee of the international conference on the former Yugoslavia, Lord Owen and Mr. Stoltenberg.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Croatian Government following the establishment of road blocks around the village of Kruscica; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

None. We are investigating reports which suggest that Kruscica is being blocked.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with Lord Owen since the Foreign Ministers' meeting in Washington DC on 22 May; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs had an informal meeting with Lord Owen on 6 June and on 8 June attended the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg, which Lord Owen briefed on his efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement in Bosnia. The normal arrangements will be made to inform the House of the outcome of the Council.

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