HC Deb 22 February 1994 vol 238 cc98-9W
Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken by the Bosnian Muslim forces to demilitarise Srebrenica, Zepa and Gorazde; and what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on these issues.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

United Nations Security Council resolutions 824 and 836, which set up the safe areas of Srebrenica, Zepa and Gorazde, call for an end to attacks on and demilitarisation of these areas. We continue to urge all parties to comply fully with these resolutions. United Nations efforts also continue towards securing compliance.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last communicated with the Bosnian-Serb leadership; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary attended the meeting between European Union Foreign Ministers and the Bosnian parties on 29 November 1993. I attended a further such meeting on 22 December 1993.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the level of fighting between Muslim and Croat forces in central Bosnia during the past seven days; and what efforts Her Majesty's Government are making to try to secure a ceasefire between these armies.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Fighting continues between Bosnian Croat and Bosnian Muslim forces in central Bosnia. Discussions are taking place between Croatia and the Bosnian Government, but so far there has been no agreement on a ceasefire. Bringing an end to this fighting is a high priority within the international efforts to bring about a political settlement in Bosnia.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to relieve the siege of Mostar; what representations have been made to the besieging Croat forces; and what plans there are to require the Croat forces to surrender their heavy weapons to the United Nations.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The situation in Mostar is of grave concern. The European Union plan of action calls for Mostar to be put under European Union administration. Both the Bosnian and Croatian Governments have accepted this in principle as part of an overall settlement. Meanwhile, efforts continue to alleviate the humanitarian situation on the ground.