§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether neighbouring states are intending to bill NATO for "collateral" and other damage which those states have suffered and, if so, what steps they are taking: (a) to maintain a record of such damage; and (b) to ensure that those responsible for targeting are aware of the economic, social arid humanitarian values of the targets they decide should be attacked and that these values are taken into account. [HL2405]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanNo formal approach has been made by any neighbouring states to bill NATO for collateral or other damage. Every day NATO conducts detailed bomb assessments, including collateral damage. NATO takes great care in targeting to avoid collateral damage and is well aware of the economic, social and humanitarian impact on targets and takes this into account when selecting targets.
§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether recent statements by Ministers that NATO's victory will be achieved however long it may take indicate a change of policy from that where the prevention of humanitarian catastrophe was paramount.[HL2406]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThere has been no change in our policy since the NATO airstrikes began. NATO remains united in its firm resolve to continue the airstrikes and reduce still further Milosevic's ability to repress his own citizens until we can guarantee a fair and peaceful future for all the people of Kosovo.