Former Yugoslavia (Hansard, 13 June 1995)

§ Mr. Austin Mitchell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what mandate the European Union and NATO have to intervene in the military situation in the former Yugoslavia except in so far as they are requested to do so by the United Nations. [27575]

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
NATO's mandate is to act in support of the UN in former Yugoslavia. The EU has no military role in the conflict in former Yugoslavia.

§ Mr. William Powell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the United Kingdom's contribution to(a) the tribunal and (b) the office of special prosecutor established by the United Nations in relation to war crimes, etcetera in the former Yugoslavia with particular reference to (i) finance, including voluntary funds, (ii) staff, including secondments from the United Kingdom, (iii) equipment, (iv) forensic assistance, and (v) witness protection. [26919]

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
In 1994 we contributed £20,000 worth of computer and camera equipment and seconded a military lawyer to the prosecutor's office. In May 1995, we seconded four police officers to work for the prosecutor's office as investigators and analysts and will be contributing £200,000 toward these costs. In addition, we have helped the tribunal identify other British citizens to work for the prosecutor's office.
We are currently discussing the question of witness protection with the tribunal.

§ Mr. William Powell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to assist the tribunal established by the United Nations in relation to the former Yugoslavia in the event that prison sentences are passed by the tribunal. [27921]

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
We are currently considering the tribunal's request to offer prison space to those convicted by the tribunal.

§ Mr. William Powell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes in United Kingdom law he expects as a consequence of the establishment of the United Nations special tribunal in relation to the former Yugoslavia; and when he expects such changes to be made. [27920]

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
Provision is needed to enable the UK to give effect to orders of the tribunal for the transfer of persons and other assistance. The necessary provisions are being drafted and it is hoped that they will be ready in the near future. In the meantime, we are co-operating informally with the prosecutor's office.