Kosovo (Hansard, 14 January 2002)

§ Ross Cranston
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what analysis he has made of the role of his Department in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. [24481]

§ Mr. Ingram
British forces have made a significant contribution to the multi-national effort to build peace and stability in Kosovo. A detailed analysis of the early part of the Kosovo campaign was undertaken from which lessons have been drawn for the future.
Our forces continue to play a pivotal role in KFOR as lead nation of the MultiNational Brigade (Centre). We continue fully to support the UN Mission in Kosovo in its work to help the people of Kosovo in the reconstruction of their country.

§ 29. Ms Drown
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the land mines clearance programme in Kosovo to be complete. [24491]

§ Mr. Ingram
The primary responsibility for the clearance of land mines in Kosovo is that of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Within Kosovo, UNMIK works with non-governmental organisations, national military contingents and the indigenous Kosovo protection corps. British forces are not employed directly in land mine clearance, although KFOR troops continue to provide assistance to the UN when requested, to make areas safe for the return of displaced persons. The Government contribute through the provision of grants, specialist staff and equipment to the UN Mine Action Co-ordination Centre. The UN task is now regarded as largely complete, although there are still two areas west of Prizren, towards the border with Albania, that contain known minefields, where work will continue through 2002.

§ Vernon Coaker
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British troops are deployed in Kosovo. [24461]

§ Mr. Ingram
The UK currently contributes some 3,000 personnel to KFOR operations in Kosovo, though this figure fluctuates as a result of unit rotation and the deployment of differing sizes of battlegroup. The major elements currently deployed are Headquarters 20 Armoured Brigade, 1_st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Wales and the Queens' Royal Hussars. The UK are the lead nation in Multi-national Brigade (Centre), where our forces operate primarily with Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Czech troops.