§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops are serving in(a)Bosnia, (b)Kosovo and (c)Macedonia; and in what role. [47359]
§ Mr. IngramThe United Kingdom currently contributes some 1,900 personnel to SFOR operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina as the co-ordinating nation in Multinational Division (South-West). UK forces make a vital contribution to all of the tasks undertaken by SFOR in building peace and stability in Bosnia. SFOR continue to provide a background security presence, ensuring a peaceful and safe environment while the Bosnian people reconstruct their lives and reform their civilian and military institutions.
The UK currently contributes some 3,000 personnel to KFOR operations in Kosovo as framework nation of Multinational Brigade (Centre). UK forces take part in the full range of tasks carried out by KFOR. KFOR's main focus is the provision of a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, including the protection of minority communities and the countering of threats from extremist groups.
At any one time there are a dozen or so UK armed forces personnel working in Macedonia as part of the headquarters of NATO's Task Force Fox and in support of KFOR. Some may be double-hatted to both. In addition, three UK armed forces personnel are providing advice to the Macedonian Ministry of Defence as part of a bilateral Outreach programme. One UK Army officer has been seconded to the British embassy in Skopje as Defence Attaché.