§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what analysis his Department has made on the effect of the present conflict on the trade and economies of those countries neighbouring Kosovo and Yugoslavia; and if he will make a statement. [86060]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe are in close touch with the countries of the region to assess the economic impact of the crisis and consider ways to help minimise its effects, working with our EU partners and the International Financial Institutions. The impact will vary widely from country to country. Within the EU, we have strongly supported the provision of additional assistance to the region. So far the European Commission has allocated 150m euros in humanitarian support and a further 100m euros in budgetary support.
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he intends to have further discussions with other European Ministers regarding the safety of civilian Serbs in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [89601]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe discuss regularly with our European partners issues relating to the safety of all ethnic minorities in Kosovo. KFOR are fully seized of the need to protect all Kosovo citizens. As NATO Secretary General Solana has stated
KFOR will operate in an impartial and even-handed manner…[it] will not tolerate any …intimidation of any of the people of Kosovo".
§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to publish a White Paper on the atrocities carried out in Kosovo during the Serbian rule. [89600]
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§ Mr. Tony LloydOur first priority is to investigate and establish the details of atrocities committed in Kosovo. Once that is done, we shall review how these details will be presented to Parliament.