Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 9 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 November 1998. It was answered by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Thursday, 19 November 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what progress has been made in bringing to an end acts of repression against civilians by Serbian security forces in Kosovo; and what progress has been made in securing a political dialogue between the two sides.

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in bringing to an end acts of repression against civilians by Serbian security forces in Kosovo; and what progress has been made in securing a political dialogue between the two sides. [59443] Mr. Tony Lloyd: As a result of sustained NATO pressure, there were significant withdrawals from Kosovo of army and police units which had been responsible for repression in late October. The situation on the ground is now generally quiet, if tense, with sporadic acts of violence and provocation from both sides. Displaced persons have begun to return home. We continue to monitor the situation closely. The deployment of the first contingent of 50 British personnel to verify compliance with UNSCRs 1199 and 1203 was completed on 12 November. Contact Group Experts met on 11 November to consider progress on the political track. The Contact Group endorsed US Envoy Ambassador Hill's plans to return to the region with EU Envoy Petritsch to press ahead rapidly with the negotiation process. Indirect negotiations are continuing and we support the efforts of US Envoy Hill to secure both sides agreement to an interim political settlement in the next few weeks.

Secondary information