Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Monday, 6 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 June 2005. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Monday, 13 June 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Landmines

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution the UK is making to (a) the NATO Trust Fund project for the destruction of anti-personnel landmines in Serbia and Montenegro and (b) the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance for its work in Balkan countries in this financial year; what further UK funding is proposed; in what countries work is planned; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: In this financial year (2005–06) the UK has not made a contribution to the NATO South East Europe Initiative Trust Fund project for the destruction of anti-personnel landmines in Serbia and Montenegro. However, the Department for International Development is presently considering a UK contribution of £1 million to the International Trust Fund (ITF) for the current financial year. This will be used largely to fund mine action in Albania, Azerbaijan and Bosnia, but includes a sum, of approximately £350,000, which the ITF may use in any of the countries eligible for receiving funds through the Trust Fund.

Secondary information