HC Deb 09 February 1994 vol 237 c285W
Mr. Elletson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration has been given to the use of tactical air support for the opening of the humanitarian aid route between Split and Sarajevo; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

An aid route linking Split and Sarajevo via Gornji Vakuf is in regular use. Air support to open the route is thus not required.

Mr. Elletson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration he has given to withdrawal of British forces from Bosnia-Herzegovina; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

British forces will continue through the winter to support the UN in carrying out its humanitarian mandate. No decisions have yet been taken about the deployment of British forces thereafter.

Mr. Elletson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what opportunities have arisen during recent NATO meetings to discuss the possible use of air strikes against Bosnian Croat forces; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The NATO summit on 10–11 January reaffirmed the readiness of the alliance to provide close air support for UNPROFOR throughout Bosnia.

Mr. Elletson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis the decision was taken not to use air support for the protection of the United Nations safe haven at Mostar; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

NATO has undertaken to make air power available to the UN Secretary General should he require it in support of the UNPROFOR mandate. The UN has not so far requested the use of this facility.