HL Deb 05 April 2000 vol 611 cc142-3WA
Lord Carlile of Berriew

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether sufficient progress is being made in Kosovo towards the restoration of the rule of law in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights. [HL1648]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

There has been substantial progress, although much remains to be done. Almost 400 local judges and prosecutors have been appointed, including Kosovo Serbs and other minorities. The UN Mission has also appointed over 200 lay judges. Three hundred and fifty Kosovars have graduated from the new police training school, including Serbs, other minorities and around 100 women. We have 40 UK police officers at the training school. We intend to offer UK candidates to serve as international judges and prosecutors in Kosovo.

Lord Carlile of Berriew

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their policy to provide assistance in the form of police, judges and others with the function of restoring a stable system of criminal and civil justice. [HL1647]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Yes. The UK has deployed 60 police to the UN International Police and we intend to double this contribution. We also contribute 40 UK police officers to the school training the future Kosovo police. We intend to contribute the core of a new Criminal Intelligence Unit to work in the UN police. We intend to offer UK judges and lawyers to work with the UN Mission in Kosovo.