HL Deb 31 January 1994 vol 551 cc83-4WA
Lord Kennett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What has prompted NATO to direct the USA to be the lead nation in the matter of joint exercises for peacekeeping operations, and whether the record of US peace-keeping in Somalia is a factor.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

NATO has not directed the USA to be the lead nation in the matter of joint exercises for peacekeeping operations. Under the "Partnership for Peace" launched on 10 January at the NATO Summit, it will be up to the Alliance as a whole to develop with partners practical military co-operation, in particular in peacekeeping.