§ Mr. BatesTo ask the Prime Minister what progress has been made with the initiative which he and President Clinton announced for the reconstruction of Sarajevo.
§ The Prime MinisterThe draft report of the United Kingdom-United States civil planning mission for Sarajevo is now available. It is being circulated widely among donors, and President Clinton and I hope to transmit the final version to the United Nations Secretary-General shortly. I shall place a copy in the Library of the House.
When I was in Sarajevo, I announced a United Kingdom contribution of £5 million for the most immediately needed activities. These are under way. They include help to restore electricial power more widely in Sarajevo, immediate repairs to the gas system to enable domestic gas consumers to use their facilities again safely, the extension of the tram system, and a programme of help to the hospitals in Sarajevo to support the work which is being done there.
I am pleased to say that the United States is making available a similar immediate contribution. Discussions are now taking place with the United Nations and other donors on how best to take forward the recommendations in the report.