HC Deb 14 June 1999 vol 333 cc48-9W
Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the resources required for refugee return and longer-term reconstruction of Kosovo and the Balkan region. [86482]

Clare Short

Most of the refugees are likely to return if their long-term security is guaranteed by an international security presence in Kosovo with NATO at its core. This is one of the conditions that has now been accepted. Arrangements for the withdrawal of all Yugoslav security forces, and the early entry of the international security force into Kosovo are currently being finalised. The immediate tasks are de-mining, and the provision of emergency relief for those who had remained in Kosovo and those returning (shelter, food, medicine, emergency rehabilitation of infrastructure).

In co-ordination with the lead agency, the UNHCR, we are preparing for the reception of refugees when they return to Kosovo. We have a team positioned in Skopje ready to provide a rapid assessment of the resources required to begin the process of planning provision of humanitarian relief repairs and rehabilitation. As I have stated previously, our objective remains as it has always been to assist as many refugees to return to Kosovo as quickly as possible.

Recent donor meetings have assessed the impact of the Kosovo crisis on neighbouring countries and highlighted action needed to deal with the consequences. We continue to work closely with the International Community to help these countries.

Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money is allocated by her Department for the return of Kosovan refugees and the longer-term reconstruction costs in the Balkans. [86479]

Clare Short

Since 24 March 1999, the Government have committed £40 million for humanitarian assistance to the region. We are working with the EU member states, IMF, the World Bank and regional banks to determine the resources required for the return of the refugees and the longer-term reconstruction in the Balkans. We expect to make an appropriate contribution to the reconstruction effort.