HC Deb 29 November 1994 vol 250 cc577-8W
Mr. Elletson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment United Nations observers monitoring the border between the Republics of Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina have made as to whether the flow of supplies across that border has been limited in accordance with United Nations resolutions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The latest report of the international conference on the former YugoslaviaICFY—mission concludes that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia—FRY—Government are continuing to meet their commitment to close the border between the FRY and the areas of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina under the control of Bosnian Serb forces.

It is essential that the ICFY mission should be equipped to monitor the border closure effectively. Ten United Kingdom observers have been serving with the ICFY mission since it began work in September 1994. In response to an appeal from the ICFY Secretariat for additional help, we have decided to contribute a further ten observers and to provide five four-wheel-drive vehicles. This makes the United Kingdom the second largest contributor.

Mr. Elletson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Bosnian Government in respect of the recent use of Bihac and other demilitarised zones in Bosnia-Herzegovina to launch their military attacks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We have urged all parties, including the Bosnian Government, to refrain from fighting in and from the United Nation designated safe areas and weapons exclusion zones.

Mr. Elletson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports have been received by his Department of breaches in the arms embargo in favour of Bosnian-Muslim and Bosnian-Croat forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We are aware of reports, both from the media and other sources, of breaches of the United Nations arms embargo. Evidence of such breaches is taken up with the United Nations Sanctions Committee and the country concerned.

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