§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's call for the creation of a buffer zone on its border with Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [153112]
§ Mr. VazWe and our Allies and partners have been in close contact with the Government of Macedonia about the recent violent acts by ethnic Albanian extremists which led to the deaths of three Macedonian soldiers last weekend. Following discussions, KFOR has intensified its efforts to control the border between Kosovo and Macedonia with some success. KFOR continues to monitor the situation very closely. There are reports that the extremists may be withdrawing.
§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to his Macedonian counterpart regarding the situation relating to the border between Kosovo and The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. [153111]
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§ Mr. VazOn 2 March, 1 telephoned the Macedonian Foreign Minister, Mr. Srgjan Kerim. I reassured Mr. Kerim that we share Macedonian concerns about the situation in the border area and that NATO and KFOR were doing everything within their power to control the border with Kosovo. I also welcomed the continuing restraint shown by the Macedonian Government.