§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's evaluation of the military implications in Bosnia of any lifting of the UN arms embargo.
§ Mr. SoamesWe judge that lifting the arms embargo would lead to an intensified conflict, with severe risks that UNPROFOR would be caught up in the fighting and lose its impartiality in the eyes of the warring factions. In such circumstances, UNPROFOR could no longer carry out the UN mandate and would have to withdraw.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent meetings he has had with his United States counterpart concerning the Bosnian arms embargo; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. SoamesMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has regular discussions with his United States counterpart on a wide range of issues. In the course of these discussions, our opposition to lifting the arms embargo has been made clear, on the grounds that this would only serve to fuel an intensified conflict and that, in such circumstances, UNPROFOR would have to withdraw.