HC Deb 13 June 1995 vol 261 c477W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the recognition of the Yugoslav province of Bosnia-Herzegovina as a national state by Her Majesty's Government followed in all respects international law and custom; on whose initiative it was so recognised; what was the date of recognition by each of the principle powers; and what regard was had to the views of its religious and racial minorities. [27434]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We and our EC partners recognised Bosnia-Herzegovina on 7 April 1992 following acceptance of the report of the arbitration commission attached to the EC conference on former Yugoslavia. The US Government recognised Bosnia-Herzegovina on the same day and the Russian Government did the same on 28 April 1992. A key factor in the EC's decision was the Bosnian Government's guarantee to respect the rights of minorities.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the population of Sarajevo was Serb before Bosnia-Herzegoina was recognised as a separate state; and how many of them still remain there. [27497]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

According to an official census conducted in April 1991, 27.8 per cent. of the population of Sarajevo was Serb. There are no reliable figures for the current Serb population.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the proportion of humanitarian supplies to Bosnia-Herzegovina which have(a) been stolen by the Bosnian Muslim Government to supply its forces and (b) reached criminals operating in the black market. [27578]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

There are no reliable figures relating to this issue. We condemn all such acts perpetrated by any side against the UN and other humanitarian relief agencies operating in Bosnia.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the population of the former Yugoslav province of Bosnia-Herzegovina is effectively represented by the Foreign Minister appointed by the Bosnian Muslim Government. [27498]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We consider Mr. Sacirbey, the new Bosnian Foreign Minister, to represent the legitimate and internationally recognised Government of Bosnia-Herzegovina.