HC Deb 11 February 1994 vol 237 c519W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he is prepared to offer mortar-locating radar and other detection equipment to United Nations forces deployed in Sarajevo; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

It is for the United Nations to determine the equipment needs of their forces in the former Yugoslavia. Any United Nations request for additional equipments would be given due consideration.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the use of air power to protect the civilians of Sarajevo in accordance with United Nations resolutions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

The North Atlantic Council's decision of 9 February authorised the use of air strikes in close co-ordination with the United Nations Secretary-General, if heavy weapons are not withdrawn from around Sarajevo or placed under UNPROFOR's control within 10 days. Air strikes can be launched with immediate effect, at the request of the United Nations, against heavy weapons responsible for any further attacks on civilian targets in the city.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the establishment of an effective United Nations safe area in and around Sarajevo; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hanley

United Nations Security Council resolution 836 established six safe areas in Bosnia, including Sarajevo. NATO has called on the parties to lift the siege of Sarajevo and made clear the alliance's readiness to carry out air strikes if heavy weapons are not withdrawn or placed under United Nations control within 10 days. The Government fully support the efforts of NATO and the United Nations.

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