HC Deb 30 March 1999 vol 328 cc567-8W
Mr. Blunt

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications of the closure of the Kosovo-Macedonian border to Kosovan refugees; and if he will make a statement. [79507]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

We welcome the reopening of the border between Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 24 March, following representations by the EU Presidency and others. This will facilitate the work of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in helping those who are fleeing Kosovo. The UNHCR can count on the support of the international community.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Government of the Russian Federation on the situation in Kosovo. [79515]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

As fellow members of the Contact Group, we have remained in close touch with the Russians throughout the Kosovo crisis. The Prime Minister last discussed Kosovo with Russian Prime Minister Primakov on 25 March. The Foreign Minister discussed Kosovo with Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov on 29 March.

We will gladly take any opportunity to discuss this subject with the Russians. This is a subject on which we want to stay closely in touch.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date requests were made by the UK representative at the UN for a meeting of the Security Council to discuss the situation in Kosovo. [79516]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

We took the lead in bringing the situation in Kosovo before the Security Council in the late summer and autumn of 1998. The Security Council has been kept fully informed of developments since then. As Co-Chairs, we briefed the Council on the outcome of the negotiations which took place at Rambouillet and in Paris in February and March.

The Security Council debates on 24 and 26 March demonstrated the strength of support for NATO action.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what undertakings were given to the Government of Montenegro(a) at the Rambouillet Conference and (b) afterwards, concerning military action by NATO forces. [79514]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

No undertakings have been given to the Government of Montenegro concerning NATO military action. However, we have expressed strong support for the political and economic stability of Montenegro, particularly at this critical time for Yugoslavia and Montenegro.