§ Viscount Davidsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made with an initiative which the Prime Minister and President Clinton announced for the reconstruction of Sarajevo.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)The draft report of the UK-US civil planning mission for Sarajevo is now available. It is being circulated widely among donors and President Clinton and my right honourable friend the Prime Minister hope to transmit the final version to the UN Secretary General shortly. Copies shall be placed in the Libraries of the Houses.
While in Sarajevo, my right honourable friend announced a UK contribution of £5 million for the most immediately needed activities. These are underway. They include help to restore electrical power more widely in Sarajevo, immediate repairs to the gas system to enable domestic gas consumers to use their facilities again safely, the extension of the tram system, and a programme of help to the hospitals in Sarajevo to support the work which is being done there.
We are pleased to say that the US are making available a similar immediate contribution. Discussions are now taking place with the United Nations and other donors on how best to take forward the recommendations in the report.