§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the current terms of reference and operating instructions for the 700 NATO troops in Macedonia. [HL2783]
§ Baroness AmosNATO deployed Task Force Fox at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia. The role of Task Force Fox is to support the Macedonian authorities in providing protection to monitors from the European Union and the organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe in overseeing aspects of the implementation of the framework agreement signed on 13 August 2001. Emergency and other pre-determined forms of support to the monitors can be provided within defined limits agreed with the Macedonian Government and monitoring organisations. The task force's mandate precludes it from using military force to secure freedom of movement for international monitors or to implement or enforce agreements between parties within Macedonia.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What importance for regional peace and stability they attach to the implementation of the declaration of amnesty for rebels, made by the President of Macedonia in October 2001; and whether they have discussed this matter with the Government of Macedonia. [HL2784]
§ Baroness AmosWe consider an amnesty for former insurgents an essential component of reconciliation in Macedonia and therefore of peace and stability in the region. Together with our EU, NATO and OSCE partners, we have encouraged the Macedonian32WA Government to enact the necessary legislation to give legal force to President Trajkovski's declaration. We hope that the amnesty law will be approved by the Macedonian Parliament later this month.