HC Deb 03 February 1999 vol 324 cc688-9W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what independent international investigation was conducted into the killings in Kosovo at Gornje Obrinje and what were the results; and if an investigation into killings at Racak has been commenced. [68804]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

An EU forensic team from Finland was admitted to Kosovo in December last year to conduct examinations of Gornje Obrinje and other massacre sites. They have not yet been able to complete their work at Gornje Obrinje but hope to do so in the spring. The same team have been conducting autopsies on those killed at Racak and will report to the FRY authorities, the OSCE and the EU when their examinations are complete.

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has encouraged the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in her continuing efforts to investigate these and other incidents and to bring those responsible to justice.

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the legal basis for the possible use of military force in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. [68759]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

The legal basis for any military action against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia would need to be considered in the light of the circumstances at the time. Any military action by British forces would have to be lawful under international law.