Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Western Balkans

Tuesday 31 January 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions on Western Balkans held on 2023-01-31
  • Alicia Kearns expressed concern over Franco-German proposals for an ethno-nationalist enclave in Kosovo
  • Government confirmed opposition to such an enclave and commitment to peace and stability in the region

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns about Franco-German proposals to create a Republika Srpska-style enclave in Kosovo, which could entrench ethno-nationalism in the region.

Question

I am gravely concerned by Franco-German proposals to create a Republika Srpska-style enclave in Kosovo. Can the Government confirm that they have objected to this entrenchment of ethno-nationalism in the Balkans? Will we block Republika Srpska from raising money on the London stock exchange because it is solely to fund its secessionist plans and ambitions?

Answer from Leo Docherty

We share my hon. Friend's concern. There can be no question of a Serbian enclave in north Kosovo. We continue to work closely with partners to support the normalisation of relations. I made that point in Belgrade and in Kosovo when I visited at the end of last year. The Financial Conduct Authority regulates the London stock exchange, but we are happy to correspond on that issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about preventing Republika Srpska from raising funds on the London stock exchange was not directly addressed with a concrete commitment or action plan.

How: We Are Happy To Correspond On That Issue

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Q2 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, specifically addressing steps taken by the UK government.

Question

What steps he is taking to help support peace and stability in the western Balkans.

Answer from Leo Docherty

We continue to work for peace and stability in the western Balkans. The Foreign Secretary and I are in regular contact with our counterparts in the region to encourage steps that promote peace and stability, to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's territorial integrity and to encourage progress towards normalised relations between Serbia and Kosovo.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide concrete steps or specific actions but rather general commitments to working with counterparts in the region.

How: We Continue To Work For Peace And Stability

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