§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it is his policy that the British contingent in IFOR should continue the UNPROFOR practice of assisting non-governmental organisations aid convoys in Bosnia. [12197]
§ Mr. SoamesIFOR's primary mission in Bosnia is to implement the military aspects of the peace agreement. Although it does not provide direct support to aid convoys, its efforts are helping to create an environment in which the civilian agencies operating under the peace agreement can accomplish their missions.
§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if IFOR is continuing the level of joint patrols as previously conducted by UNPROFOR with BiH—Bosnian Government Armed Forces—and HVO—Bosnian Croat Armed Forces—forces along former confrontation lines. [12198]
§ Mr. SoamesIFOR has been well received in theatre and, although it does not conduct joint patrols, it is continuing to work closely with all of the former warring factions as part of the peace implementation process. This includes joint operations to monitor mine clearance and to clear and maintain routes.