Written question asked by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 28 July 2000. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Friday, 28 July 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on troop levels in Kosovo. - Inc figure.

Answer: Mr. Caplin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on troop levels in Kosovo. [133604] Mr. Hoon: The UK currently contributes some 3,300 personnel to KFOR. We have maintained that flexibility and capability are the keys to successful operations in the Balkans. In this spirit, I have agreed to a NATO request to supply additional troops to cover the municipal election period in Kosovo, to ensure that the region's first steps towards democratisation are sure ones. Subject to confirmation of the election date, the 2{nd} Battalion the Light Infantry will deploy to Kosovo in mid-September for a period of two months. They will be at the disposal of Command KFOR, Lt. General Juan Ortuno. I have no doubt that they will maintain the excellent tradition of UK forces in the region who, with their outstanding professionalism, dedication and skill, continue to make an outstanding contribution to the regeneration of Kosovo.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 133604; 354 c914W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Armed forces Deployment Peacekeeping operations Yugoslavia Kosovo KFOR
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk