HC Deb 18 March 2002 vol 382 c60W
37. Mr. Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the contribution of the Ministry of Defence to conflict prevention in the former Yugoslavia. [40935]

Mr. Ingram

The Ministry of Defence has all extensive record of activity in the field of conflict prevention in the former Yugoslavia. In addition to our contribution to peacekeeping forces operating in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Macedonia, my Department runs a number of programmes in the region which are designed to dispel hostility, build and maintain trust, and assist in the development of democratically accountable armed forces, thereby making a significant contribution to conflict prevention. These include leadership and staff training for military officers; seminars, exchanges and visits directly concerned with security sector reform; and general underpinning outreach activities such as English language training for military personnel.