HL Deb 05 July 1999 vol 603 c63WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which force present in Kosovo is to be responsible for demilitarising the Kosovo Liberation Army; what demilitarising will involve now, and in the longer run; and whether only the Kosovo Liberation Army's heavy weapons are to be removed from them. [HL2990]

Lord Gilbert

Under the terms of the undertaking signed with KFOR on 21 June, the KLA have agreed that they will follow the procedures established by COMKFOR for the phased demilitarisation of KLA forces in Kosovo.

The KLA agreed that, within seven days from 21 June, their forces would gather in Assembly areas. Within 30 days from the same date, all prohibited weapons with the exception of small arms will be handed in. Automatic small arms will be handed in in phases over 90 days, after which time the Assembly areas will come under the full control of COMKFOR, and all KLA members have to cease wearing their uniforms and insignia. The KLA will then be demilitarised.

Prohibited weapons are defined as any weapon 12.7mm or larger, any anti-tank or anti-aircraft weapons, grenades, mines or explosives, automatic and long barrelled weapons.

I am placing a copy of the undertaking in the Library of the House.