HC Deb 07 February 1990 vol 166 cc685-6W
22. Mr. Tredinnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in the light of the recent changes in eastern Europe, he is in favour of reconvening the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe; to what extent he sees the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe as a vehicle for increased East-West European co-operation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

On 20 January, in Dublin, EC Foreign Ministers agreed in principle to a CSCE summit meeting in 1990. We view this as an opportune proposal. The CSCE process has a valuable role to play in overcoming East-West barriers. We should use it imaginatively in the months ahead.

25. Mr. Ian Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his European Community counterparts regarding the creation of a forum other than the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe to discuss European co-operation and security matters.

Mr. Maude

None. At the European Council in Strasbourg on 8-9 December 1989, EC Heads of State and Government pointed to the vitality of the CSCE process, describing it as a means of establishing new relations among European countries in the areas of security, economic and technical co-operation and of human rights.