Kosovo (Hansard, 23 March 2004)

§ Andrew Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political situation in(a) Kosovo and (b) Serbia and Montenegro. [163257]

§ Mr. MacShane
The situation in Kosovo is calm but tense. It is important now that the leaders in Pristina and Belgrade work with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and Kosovo Force (KFOR) to ensure that there is no repetition of last week's violence. Inter-ethnic violence is not acceptable and the perpetrators of these criminal acts must be brought to justice. We will continue to work for a stable, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. UNMIK and KFOR will have our complete support in working towards this end.
750W
There were demonstrations in Belgrade and Nis in Southern Serbia following the outbreak of violence in Kosovo. But the situation is now calm. The situation in Montenegro remained calm throughout.

§ Andrew Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the final determination of the status of Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [163258]

§ Mr. MacShane
Our policy is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) and the formal review process of standards as endorsed by the UN in December 2003. The UK, with the rest of the international community, will work with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, Kosovo Force and the local authorities to ensure a stable, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo.

§ Andrew Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) meetings have been held and (b) initiatives have been undertaken by (i) NATO, (ii) the EU and (iii) the United Kingdom bilaterally to achieve a settlement in Kosovo in the past two years, broken down by date; and if he will make a statement. [163259]

§ Mr. MacShane
There have been constant discussions formally and informally in Nato, EU and bilaterally on Kosovo. I take every opportunity on visits to the region or in meetings with relevant partners in the UK or elsewhere in Europe to keep UK and international policy on Kosovo under review. My most recent discussions with Kosovan leaders took place at the recent funeral of President Trajkovski of Macedonia. I will be visiting Pristina and Belgrade again next month for further talks on finding a solution to the Kosovo question. My officials play a leading role in shaping the EU-Nato policy towards Kosovo based on the need for Kosovans to abide by international legal and human rights norms.