Emmet Stagg
Question:43 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's views on the situation in southern Serbia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8409/01]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
The situation in southern Serbia, and in the neighbouring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM, continues to be of grave concern. In both cases, there is strong evidence that recent violent incidents have been perpetrated by extremists operating mainly from bases within the 5km deep ground safety zone which separates Kosovo from Serbia proper.
In southern Serbia itself, the situation has eased somewhat since the ceasefire brokered by NATO on 12 March between the UCPMB – Liberation Army of Presevo, Medveda and Bujanovac – and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities in Belgrade. The signatories committed themselves to enter into direct dialogue within one week. The same day, NATO and FRY signed an agreement to begin implementation of the NATO decision to introduce a phased and conditioned reduction of the ground safety zone.
The European Union monitoring mission has made a positive contribution to restoring peace and stability in southern Serbia through substantially increasing the presence of monitors in the region. The EU is actively reviewing what further assistance it can provide towards the restoration of normal conditions there.
The main focus of concern is now FYROM, where ethnic Albanian extremists have dug in to the west of Tetovo. The Macedonian armed forces have threatened to use all means at their disposal to dislodge them if they do not withdraw. Ireland, as a member state of the European Union, fully supports the call made by the EU this week for a cessation of violence by extremists and the encouragement of the democratically elected Government of FYROM to continue to pursue domestic reforms, in particular the improvement of inter-ethnic relations.
At the United Nations Security Council, Ireland is supporting a draft resolution on FYROM, introduced at the initiative of the UK, which welcomes the steps taken by the Government there to build a multi-ethnic society within its borders. The resolution welcomes the contribution by the European Union monitoring mission and other international organisations to a peaceful solution in southern Serbia and the wider region and supports the Governments of FYROM and FRY in their efforts to end the violence in a manner consistent with the rule of law. It underlines the need for all differences to be resolved by dialogue among all legitimate parties.
The European Council in Stockholm this weekend will be reviewing the latest developments in the region and will have an opportunity to exchange views with the President and Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation.
Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 29.
Question No. 45 answered with Question No. 32.