§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it is his Department's policy to make a distinction between(a) peacekeeping operations and (b) peacemaking operations.
§ Mr. SoamesMy Department recognises a spectrum of potential peace support operations ranging from preventative military deployments, through peacekeeping operations of varying degrees of complexity and intensity, to peace enforcement. The critical distinction is, however, whether such operations take place with the consent of all the parties involved, since this determines whether a peace688W support force is recognised by all sides to be impartial. In practice, decisions on whether to participate in particular operations are taken case by case in the light of the circumstances and other commitments.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy concerning joint international peacekeeping training; and if he will specify the dates, units involved and countries which have worked with British forces on joint international peacekeeping training.
§ Mr. SoamesThe preparation of individuals and units for peacekeeping operations is a national responsibility and, particularly in view of the differing training requirements of the armed services of different states, should remain so. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Defence favours international cooperation over peacekeeping training where this can usefully be done, and we have supported and contributed to the United Nations' efforts to harmonise national training programmes in this area. To date, co-operation has included joint seminars and map exercises, participation by foreign personnel in British peacekeeping training courses and peacekeeping field exercises. Co-operation has involved a wide range of allied and friendly nations, including activities under the auspices of "Partnership for Peace". There is no central record of the countries and units involved, or the dates on which joint training took place.