Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Thursday, 31 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 November 2002. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 November 2002 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the NATO operation in the Bosnian entity of Republica Srpska related to the sale of military equipment to Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Bernard Jenkin (North Essex): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the NATO operation in the Bosnia entity of Republika Srpska related to the sale of military equipment to Iraq. [79550] Mr. Macshane: NATO Stabilisation Force troops carried out a two-day search of the Bosnian Serb government owned Air Force Institute, Orao, on 11-13 October. The search uncovered evidence that Orao had been providing spare engine parts for Iraqi MiG fighter jets, as well as technical assistance in repairing the engines. Lord Ashdown, the High Representative in Bosnia, made a statement on 27 October demanding an immediate end to such assistance to Iraq and a full enquiry. He called for all those responsible to be brought to account, and for new controls to prevent any recurrence. A number of officials have since been dismissed. On 30 October, the State government announced a total ban on all arms imports and exports. We strongly support Lord Ashdown's proposals, and will continue to make clear to Bosnian leaders the need to address this as a matter of urgency.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 79550; 392 c308W;392 c327W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Arms trade Defence equipment Iraq Sales Weapons Sanctions NATO Serbia Bosnia and Herzegovina
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk