Written Answers. - Yugoslavian Conflict.
Alan M. Dukes
Question:
23
Mr. Dukes
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
his views on whether the EC's ability to play a constructive role in relation to the resolution of the conflict in Yugoslavia would be enhanced by closer political co-operation on (1) foreign policy and (2) security and defence issues.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:
60
Mr. Rabbitte
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will outline the Government position on the continuing conflict in Yugoslavia; if it is intended to raise the matter at the United Nations; whether any consideration has been given to a role for a UN peace-keeping force; if he will outline the Government's attitude to the suggestion made earlier, of an EC military peace-keeping force; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Michael Creed
Question:
71
Mr. Creed
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will make a statement on the multiple failures of EC initiatives to halt the civil war in Yugoslavia.
I will take Questions Nos. 23, 60 and 71 together.
Since the inception of the conflict in Yugoslavia, the European Community and its member states have been to the forefront of the international effort to bring in to a rapid and peaceful conclusion. Ireland has played a full part in elaborating the policies and initiatives of the Community to this end and fully supports them.
The Twelve have adopted a twofold policy aimed, on the one hand, at the establishment and maintenance of an effective ceasefire and, on the other, at the attainment by political means of a general settlement, acceptable to all, of the disputes which divide the peoples of Yugoslavia.
Since 13 July a civilian monitor mission has been in Yugoslavia under the auspices of the Commmunity with the consent of the Yugoslav parties and with the backing of CSCE. The role of the mission has evolved as the situation on the ground has developed. Its primary function continues to be to stabilise the ceasefires that have been agreed and to investigate violations. Its activities now also include the mediation of local ceasefires, the exchange of prisoners and other activities designed to alleviate tension. Seven members of the monitor mission are provided by Ireland. I pay tribute to the bravery of the individual monitors who continue to carry out their mandate in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal risk. Without their presence, there is no doubt that the situation on the ground would be far worse.
I have already described, in reply to an earlier question, the efforts being undertaken in the Hague aimed at a political settlement of the crisis. The proposals introduced by Lord Carrington at the Conference on Yugoslavia have been accepted as a basis for negotiation by all republics with the exception of Serbia. The Community is at present considering appropriate means, including the possible implementation of restrictive measures, to persuade Serbia to engage in meaningful negotiations on the basis of these proposals.
The Twelve have already engaged in close co-ordination in their efforts to bring about an end to the crisis. I am confident that this will continue as we work in the Inter-Governmental Conference towards arrangements for a common foreign and security policy.
I share the concern, however, that, despite our efforts, it has not yet been possible to establish an effective ceasefire or reach a political solution to the crisis. The blame for this rests squarely on the intransigence of certain parties in Yugoslavia, an in particular of Serbia and the Yugoslav National Army.
In my statement to the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September I welcome the measures adopted two days previously by the Security Council in its resolution 713 (1991), which imposed an arms embargo on Yugoslavia; expressed full support for the collective efforts for peace and dialogue in Yugoslavia undertaken under the auspices of the member states of the European Community; and invited the Secretary-General to offer his assistance. On 8 October the Secretary-General appointed the former US Secretary of State, Cyrus Vance, as his personal envoy to assist him in the discharge of his responsibilities under the resolution. The Secretary-General has now reported back to the Security Council which is understood to be considering what further measures it might take.
The question of the establishment of a United Nations peace-keeping force would be a matter for the United Nations Security Council. As far as I am aware, this is not at present under consideration.
The Security Council remains seized of the situation in Yugoslavia. I do not believe it would be appropriate for Ireland alone to make recommendations as to what action it might take concerning that situation. However, the Twelve have decided that, should it be considered necessary, they will seize the Security Council with the question of an oil embargo. In addition, through the Security Council, the Secretary-General will be asked to examine the implementation of the existing arms embargo with a view to ensuring that it is respected.
At their meeting on 19 September the European Community and its member states expressed regret that the monitor mission was unable to perform its task in full. They therefore welcomed that the Western European Union would explore ways in which the activities of the monitors could be supported so as to make their work a more effective contribution to the peace-keeping effort. The Twelve expressed their understanding that no military intervention was contemplated and that before a reinforced monitor mission were established a ceasefire would have to be agreed with a prospect of holding and that all Yugoslav parties would have expressed their agreement. I understand that the Western European Union is continuing its study of the various options identified. The despatch of an EC military peace-keeping force to Yugoslavia is not under discussion.
