§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department's officials last met their Croatian counterparts; and what discussions were held on the Partnership for Peace initiative. [125003]
§ Mr. HoonMy officials last met their Croatian counterparts for UK-Croatia Bilateral Defence Talks held in the UK on 19 April 2000. The Croatian delegation was led by the Assistant Minister for Policy, Mr. Ivan Kozlica, who covered a wide range of subjects focusing on the new Government's commitment to root and branch reform of the armed forces.
340WDiscussions also touched upon Croatia's potential entry into the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme. The Croatian delegation reiterated not only their Government's strong commitment to meeting the internationally agreed conditions for PfP membership, but also Croatia's intention to play a more constructive role in regional security.
Given the momentous political changes over the last six months the UK was pleased to support Croatia's early admission to PfP, which was achieved at the Florence Ministerial on 24 and 25 May.
§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role Britain has played in Partnership for Peace activities with Croatia. [125004]
§ Mr. HoonCroatia was admitted to the Partnership for Peace programme during the Florence Ministerials on 24 and 25 May 2000 and is now eligible to participate in Partnership for Pt ace (PfP) activities. Prior to that date Croatia, not being a PfP member, did not take part in PfP activities. Croatia is now deciding on the activities in which she will participate and will be an effective contributor to PfP.