§ Mr.McloughlinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support has the United Kingdom given the Bosnia-Croat Federation.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe support the federation generously because we consider that its success is necessary for an overall settlement in Bosnia.
We have provided more than 3,000 troops to UNPROFOR in Bosnia. Their presence has helped underpin the ceasefire between Bosnia and Croat forces since March 1994. Their work with local committees and with local commanders through a system of joint commissions has been a major contribution to peacebuilding.
The Royal Engineers, together with the Overseas Development Administration, constructed the important bailey bridge which now connects east and west Mostar. ODA engineers have already completed 350 reconstruction projects and provided winter shelters for 20,000 people throughout the federation. In Sarajevo, which is dependent on gas for winter heating, ODA-sponsored engineers, despite sniper fire, have laid over 14 km of gas pipes and replaced 2,000 illegal and dangerous connections. Fifty-five ODA lorries form 25 per cent. of the UNHCR humanitarian convoy fleet, and the ODA-leased aircraft carries 20 per cent. of the airlift into Sarajevo. We are providing senior officials in support of the EU administration of Mostar and also police and good government training.
No other country has provided such a range of support at all levels for the federation.
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