Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Western Balkans Stability 2023-07-18

2023-07-18

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Tan Dhesi Lab
Slough
▸ Context
The question is prompted by concerns over stability and regional co-operation in the Western Balkan states, following a cross-party delegation visit to Serbia.
What steps are being taken to help support stability in the Western Balkans? Last week, a British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union delegation visited Serbia where they expressed concerns about the situation of the ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo. What specific actions is the Minister taking to ease tensions and ensure that mayors are representative?
Leo Docherty
We have invested over £47 million on activities supporting a secure, safe and prosperous region last year. We engage diplomatically with all sides to encourage positive progress and urge leaders to de-escalate and work towards peace.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific concerns about the ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo were not addressed with concrete actions or commitments.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Tan Dhesi Lab
Slough
▸ Context
Following a cross-party delegation visit to Serbia, there are concerns about the situation of the ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo and their representation.
Last week, a British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union delegation visited Serbia where they expressed concerns about the ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo. What steps is the Minister taking to ease tensions and ensure that mayors are truly representative?
Leo Docherty
We engage diplomatically with all sides to encourage positive progress and urge leaders to de-escalate and work towards peace.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific concerns about the ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo were not addressed with concrete actions or commitments.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Alyn Smith
▸ Context
There is a desire for a stable western Balkans and recognition of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's role.
The OSCE is seen as a valuable platform to cohere efforts towards stability in the western Balkans. Does the Minister agree that more resources are needed for the OSCE?
Leo Docherty
I do agree and I think it is a hugely valuable platform. We must ensure that efforts to deliver good impact from the OSCE are not derailed by Putin's machinations.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific question about providing more resources for the OSCE was not directly addressed with a commitment or plan.
Response accuracy