§ Lord Reaasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is their intention to return to his post or replace the British member of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Assistance Group in Grozny who was withdrawn earlier this year, and if so, when.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)The British member of the group was withdrawn in the light of advice from the head of the group at a time when the security situation had deteriorated. He has now returned to his unit.
We will keep the question of British participation in the Assistance Group under review and will keep in touch with the Swiss incoming chairman in office on this issue. We continue to attach great importance to the activities and mandate of the Assistance Group.