Written question asked by Tony Colman (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 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 action the Government is taking to help protect the Serbian Orthodox churches in Kosovo from vandalism and destruction; what representations he has received concerning damage to Serbian Orthodox churces in Kosovo. - (Holding answer 9 May 2001).

Answer: Mr. Colman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what action the Government are taking to help protect the Serbian Orthodox churches in Kosovo from vandalism and destruction; [160664] (2) what representations he has received concerning damage to Serbian Orthodox churches in Kosovo. [160665] Mr. Vaz: [holding answer 9 May 2001]: We have received representations from a variety of sources including the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo, MPs and members of the public. The protection of religious and patrimonial sites is an important role for KFOR, undertaken to improve security and the way of life for all communities in Kosovo. KFOR provides armed guards to protect churches and monasteries throughout Kosovo, but unfortunately attacks against churches do still occur.

Secondary information