Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Western Balkans: Stability

Tuesday 18 July 2023 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK invested over 47 million last year on activities supporting stability in the Western Balkans
  • Minister engages diplomatically with all sides to urge de-escalation and progress towards peace
  • Minister agrees OSCE is a valuable platform but warns against interference in its efforts

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concerns about the ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo were not addressed with concrete actions or commitments.

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Q2 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

We engage diplomatically with all sides to encourage positive progress and urge leaders to de-escalate and work towards peace.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concerns about the ethnic Serb minority in Kosovo were not addressed with concrete actions or commitments.

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Q3 Alyn Smith
Foreign Affairs
Context

There is a desire for a stable western Balkans and recognition of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's role.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific question about providing more resources for the OSCE was not directly addressed with a commitment or plan.

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