I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 25, 33, 36, 48, 49 and 103 together.
The deteriorating situation in Kosovo is a matter of grave concern for the Government and our EU partners. Armed conflict is spreading with an increase in the already serious loss of life. Ethnic cleansing, involving both communities, has become widespread, creating greater numbers of displaced persons within the province and refugees in the adjoining countries, particularly in Albania and to a lesser extent in Montenegro. Hostage taking on both sides is occurring with greater frequency; the number of undisciplined, armed militias is on the increase and there are reports of the rounding up and detention of persons.
Amnesty International has drawn attention to widespread abuse of human rights on both sides. All of this provides grim reminders of Bosnia. Apart from the enormous human suffering involved, the spread of armed conflict makes it increasingly difficult to put in place what is urgently needed, namely negotiations and political dialogue between the sides.
On 23 June the House heard a report on the deliberations of the Cardiff European Council of 15 June as well as a report on the meeting which took place in Moscow on 16 June between Presidents Yeltsin and Milosevic. The Contact Group of six countries has been playing a key role in efforts to persuade Belgrade to co-operate and, in this context, the influence which Russia, as a member of the Contact Group, can bring to bear on President Milosevic is extremely important. At their meeting on 16 June, Presidents Yeltsin and Milosevic reached agreement on a number of points. These, with some notable exceptions, corresponded largely to the demands set out in the Cardiff Declaration relating to the resumption of dialogue, greater access to the province by international observers and humanitarian organisations and the return of refugees and displaced persons. The notable exceptions did not cover the withdrawal of security forces engaged in the repression of civilians nor the involvement of international mediation in negotiations, as demanded by the European Council.
In the period since 16 June the situation on the ground has considerably deteriorated. At the same time, intensive efforts have been made by the United States, through their representative Mr. Holbrooke, to bring about meaningful negotiations. Unfortunately, these efforts have not yet produced results.
This is the grim background against which the deliberations of the GAC1 took place last Monday. With the moderates being eclipsed by more militant elements, the common ground on which negotiations can take place becomes more difficult to find and the demands more extreme. It is clear that the escalation of conflict could have horrendous consequences in human terms, not only in Kosovo but also in terms of spillover effects in the neighbouring countries of Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
The Council deeply regretted the Serbian leader's refusal to accept an increase in the size of ECMM — the European Community Monitoring Mission — in Kosovo, especially as he had earlier undertaken to allow full freedom of movement in the whole territory of Kosovo as a confidence building measure. We will seek to achieve this through increasing the diplomatic personnel of member states' embassies in Belgrade. We also reiterated the need for a comprehensive approach to the refugee issue and our intention to work with international organisations to promote the early return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes. This is another issue on which President Milosevic gave a clear commitment at Moscow, which he should now honour.
On the humanitarian side, the Government has already provided £50,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross for Kosovar refugees in Albania. The European Community Humanitarian Office, ECHO, has announced a package of aid worth ECU 1.5 million for Kosovar refugees and their host families in Albania. Other donors have also responded generously to appeals for assistance.
While the initiative in recent days seems to have passed to the advocates of violence, the promotion of peace and justice in Kosovo still depends on the establishment of genuine dialogue between the Serbs and the Kosovar Albanians. It is, therefore, equally incumbent on all those in a leadership role in the Kosovar Albanian community to unite responsibly in making clear their commitment to dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the problems of Kosovo. They must also reject violence in all forms.
I and my EU colleagues also firmly believe that the OSCE has a vital role to play in this process. Deputies will be aware that Mr. Felipe Gonzalez has been appointed as Special Representative of the Chairman in Office of the OSCE for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and that he has in that capacity taken over the role of the High Commissioner for National Minorities. The Council reiterated its full support for Mr. Gonzalez and called for the early return of the OSCE long-term missions to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. I hope that President Milosevic will now honour the undertaking in respect of the OSCE which he gave in Moscow.
As regards the status of Kosovo, the EU position remains that the Union supports a special status, including a large degree of autonomy for Kosovo, within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It is a question which must ultimately be agreed between the Serbs and the Kosovars. Mr. Milosevic's rejection of any role for the EU or other international bodies in promoting negotiations on this issue has resulted in a situation in which if the militant Kosovars succeed in achieving de facto independence for all or most of Kosovo, the basis for further consideration of Kosovo' s status will have changed radically.
The United Nations Security Council also remains seized of the question of Kosovo. I expect that after the next meeting of the Contact Group, scheduled for 8 July, it will be in a position to consider further the situation. I also expect the next meeting of the General Affairs Council under the Austrian Presidency on 13 July to consider further the response of the EU to developments.