Written question asked by Mark Simmonds (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 February 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 February 2003. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 February 2003 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 plans he has to visit the Balkan countries to assess the progress that has been made towards peace and security in the region; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit the Balkan countries to assess the progress that has been made towards peace and security in the region; and if he will make a statement. [96293] Mr. MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited the Balkans in November 2002 and held useful talks with the political leaders in Belgrade, Pristina and Sarajevo. I also visited the region several times last year. I would expect further such visits to go ahead this year. My right hon. Friend and I were encouraged by progress made so far, especially in maintaining peace and security in Bosnia and Kosovo. The Foreign Secretary and I have also held talks with Lord Ashdown and Michael Steiner, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Kosovo, in respect of their work in Bosnia and Kosovo. The new arrangements redefining the relationship between Serbia and Montenegro are a good example of how differences can be resolved in the Balkans through peaceful negotiation. We will continue to engage closely with all governments in the region to integrate them more fully with the EU and international community. This includes improved co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal on the former Yugoslavia.

Secondary information