Moldova and Transdneistria: Removal of Russian Arms and Ammunition

HL Deb 15 December 2003 vol 655 cc99-100WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect that the removal of Russian forces and military equipment from Moldova and Transdneistria (agreed at the Istanbul Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Summit Meeting for the end of December 2003) will be achieved. [HL212]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We had hoped that Russia would succeed in meeting the extended deadline of 31 December 2003 for removal of its arms and ammunition from Transdneistria. At the OSCE ministerial meeting in Maastricht on 1 to 2 December 2003, my honourable friend the Minister for Europe (Dr MacShane) expressed regret at Russia's non-fulfilment of its commitment and reiterated the Government's position that Russia must meet this commitment for the Adapted CFE treaty to be ratified. Russia is continuing to remove its arms and ammunition from Transdneistria, albeit slowly, and we stress the need for compilation of this process without further delay.