HC Deb 08 June 1993 vol 226 cc183-4W
Lady Olga Maitland

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the criteria for deciding whether and when military intervention is required when protecting Bosnian safe areas.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

UNPROFOR forces throughout Muslim-held territory in Bosnia will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground and provide the UN command with judgments as to whether, and in what form, it would be necessary to counter any acts of aggression against the safe areas. We and others have declared our willingness, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 836, to make air power available to protect UNPROFOR in the safe areas.

Lady Olga Maitland

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the Government have for strengthening the rules of engagement for troops guarding the safe areas in Bosnia.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

United Nations Security Council resolution 836 authorises UNPROFOR, acting in self-defence, to take necessary measures including the use of force to reply to bombardment of the safe areas in Bosnia, armed incursion into those areas, and the obstruction of either relief convoys or of the troops themselves. The resolution also provides for the use of air power in and around safe areas to support UNPROFOR in the performance of its mandate. We and others have declared our willingness to make air power available for this purpose.