HL Deb 27 July 1999 vol 604 c168WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the context of Kosovo, what assurances they can give that Russia intends to honour the agreement reached at Helsinki in June 1999. [HL3655]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Russian deployment into Kosovo is still in progress. However, the indications are that it is proceeding smoothly, in accordance with the agreement reached at Helsinki on 18 June and the technical arrangements agreed in Moscow on 5 July. Russian companies are already located in the US and German sectors as well as at Pristina airport. We understand that the Commander of KFOR, who is responsible for determining the precise pattern of deployment, is broadly content with progress so far.

Russia has also resumed consultation and co-operation with NATO through the Permanent Joint Council, which met on 23 July for the first time since the NATO air campaign. This agreement was warmly welcomed by the Foreign Secretary and Mr. Ivanov, the Russian Foreign Minister, in their meetings last week.