§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the NATO allies were informed of the commitments entered into by the United States to the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) at Rambouillet and whether these were at any time agreed by either all the Contact Group or all the NATO allies; whether the KLA now has representatives in 'Washington and whether NATO representatives are now operating with the KLA; whether the nature of the funds available to the KLA has been fully examined; and whether the decision to use KLA cooperation for targeting purposes was a military or a political decision. [HL2103]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWhat was on offer to the Kosovo Albanian negotiating team at Rambouillet is well known. The Rambouillet accords, which included provision for the disarmament of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), were signed by them on 19 March. We are aware of no specific US commitments to the KLA.
On NATO links to and co-operation with the KLA, I have nothing to add to my Answer to the noble Lord's Question of 20 April. The question of KLA representatives in Washington is a matter for the government of the United States. I have also previously explained our understanding of the funding of the KLA, in answer to the noble Lord's question of 1 March (11 March, WA 48).
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§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Kosovo Liberation Army are or have been receiving weapons from Croats and/or Bosniaks who have been equipped and trained by American mercenaries. [HL2225]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean:On the assumption that the noble Lord is referring to the Train and Equip programme run by the US-based firm MPRI, we have seen no information to suggest that weapons supplied under this programme have reached the KLA.