§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the security situation in(a) Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and (b) Kosovo. [41899]
§ Mr. IngramIn Macedonia the continued implementation of the August 2001 Framework Agreement has greatly reduced the potential for violence. We continue to call on all sides to maintain the restraint that they have shown since the agreement was signed. The two NATO-led Task Forces, Harvest and Fox, have made major contributions to restoring stability in Macedonia.
The security situation in Kosovo is generally improving. But organised crime and extremism remain significant problems and tackling them is a high priority for both the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and KFOR. We continue to impress on leaders from all sections of the community the importance of tolerance and participation in the democratic process in Kosovo.