§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Serbs, Roma, Bosniaks and other minorities have been abducted in Kosovo since the K-FOR occupation; and how many have been rescued. [96102]
§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) churches and (b) other historic buildings have been destroyed since the K-FOR occupation of Kosovo. [96103]
§ Mr. VazI have been asked to reply.
We do not have confirmed figures of damage or destruction of churches and other historical buildings. Unconfirmed reports suggest that up to 40 may have been destroyed.
K-FOR now, if possible, guard patrimonial sites around the clock. 285 soldiers are on permanent guard at 35 Serbian churches or patrimonial sites. We recognise the importance of these sites to the Serb community and hope that the steps taken by K-FOR, and the improving deployment of an international police service, will stop further damage.
§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many murders have been committed against each of the minorities in Kosovo since the K-FOR occupation; [96100]
(2) how many Serbs, Roma, Bosniaks and other minorities have left Kosovo since the K-FOR occupation. [96099]
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence. pursuant to his oral answer of 8 November 1999,Official Report, column 679, concerning night patrols by the Irish Guards in Kosovo, when the hon. Member for Linlithgow will receive the letter promised. [98137]
§ Mr. HoonFollowing the announcement by my predecessor on 19 July 1999,Official Report, column 783, the Irish Guards battle group withdrew from Kosovo in 715W October. However, while they were in Kosovo, the Irish, Guards were not the only unit to undertake night patrols. Night patrolling is a routine operation for KFOR troops.