§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from Montenegro in respect of the military action in Yugoslavia. [83486]
§ Mr. Tony Lloyd[holding answer 7 May 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with the Montenegrin President, Mr. Djukanovic. President Djukanovic naturally regrets the need for military action against the FRY. We understand his position and have pledged Montenegro maximum support.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made on the effects of an oil embargo on Montenegro. [83582]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe recognise the political and economic impacts on Montenegro of the conflict in Kosovo. Both the EU and NATO have made every effort to minimise the adverse effects for Montenegro of punitive measures against the regime in Belgrade, including the EU oil embargo which entered into force on 30 April. The European Union has recently allocated 13 Meuro for budgetary assistance for Montenegro. We are pressing the Commission to ensure that these funds are disbursed as soon as possible, and are exploring other ways of assisting.