§ Sir Russell JohnstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the seizure of vessels by Serbian pirates, where the Danube passes through the Krajin; what commitment has been made by the Western European Union to controlled passage through the Danube; and what action is proposed.
Mr. Heathcote-AmoryWe have no such information, though we are aware a recent blocking of the Danube in the vicinity of Belgrade by two unofficial Serbian organisations for which the Serbian Government disclaim responsibility. We do not accept that there is nothing the Serbian Government can do to curtail these activities.
The President of the United Nations Security Council made a statement on 13 October 1993 condemning this action and reminding the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) authorities of their international obligations to ensure free movement of international traffic on the Danube.
The Western European Union sanctions enforcement operation on the Danube is directed at preventing the passage of unauthorised materials to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It is not tasked with enforcing the passage of shipping throughout the length of the Danube.