HC Deb 02 March 1995 vol 255 cc688-9W
Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received from UNPROFOR in respect of military aircraft flights into west Tuzla air force base; what breaches of the arms embargo such reports have revealed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

The activity of aircraft over Bosnia-Herzegovina is primarily a matter for the UN and NATO. We understand, however, that a transport aircraft may have been in the vicinity of Tuzla on the night of 10 February, but we have no knowledge of its intentions or whether the arms embargo was breached.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what obstacles have been placed in the way of UNPROFOR forces freedom of manoeuvre in(a) Vitez, (b) Tuzla, (c) Sarajevo, (d) Gornji Vakuf and (e) Gorazde in recent weeks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

Bosnian Government forces have established vehicle check points on routes into Sarajevo, Tuzla and Gornji Vakuf which are causing minor freedom of movement problems for UNPROFOR. At Gorazde, Bosnian Serb army forces continue to prevent UNPROFOR from using a direct route into the town. There are no reported problems at Vitez. Despite these localised restrictions, the freedom of movement both for UNPROFOR and the aid agencies has improved significantly throughout most of Bosnia since the cessation of hostilities agreement came into effect on I January.

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to maintain Britain's contribution to UNPROFOR in Bosnia-Herzegovina if UN forces are withdrawn from Croatia in response to President Tudjman's request; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

The Government remain concerned at President Tudjman's decision not to renew the UNPROFOR mandate in Croatia after 31 March 1995 and we hope that international pressure will persuade him to change his mind. We do not intend to withdraw our contingent from Bosnia but we continue to monitor the situation closely.