HC Deb 28 July 2000 vol 354 c914W
Mr. Caplin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on troop levels in Kosovo. [133604]

Mr. Hoon

The UK currently contributes some 3,300 personnel to KFOR. We have maintained that flexibility and capability are the keys to successful operations in the Balkans. In this spirit, I have agreed to a NATO request to supply additional troops to cover the municipal election period in Kosovo, to ensure that the region's first steps towards democratisation are sure ones.

Subject to confirmation of the election date, the 2nd Battalion the Light Infantry will deploy to Kosovo in mid-September for a period of two months. They will be at the disposal of Command KFOR, Lt. General Juan Ortuno. I have no doubt that they will maintain the excellent tradition of UK forces in the region who, with their outstanding professionalism, dedication and skill, continue to make an outstanding contribution to the regeneration of Kosovo.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British service personnel were deployed in Kosovo on 1 July. [132816]

Mr. Spellar

On 1 July, there were some 3,400 British personnel serving with KFOR, of whom some 3,300 were based in Kosovo.

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