Tuesday, April 13, 1999 Published at 16:55 GMT 17:55 UK
Blair unveils troop build-up
The British presence in the Balkans is to be bolstered
The United Kingdom is sending an extra 1,800 troops to the Balkans as Nato increases its military build-up, Prime Minister Tony Blair has revealed.
But the prime minister stressed the build-up did not mean Nato was planning for a ground invasion.
"Let me make clear, for the avoidance of doubt, they are being sent so that the UK can be in a position to play our proper role in the international effort to ensure the refugees are able to return to Kosovo in safety."
The prime minister said that ethnic cleansing in Kosovo "must be defeated and must be seen to be defeated".
Mr Blair also detailed the terms under which the conflict could be settled.
He called for a withdrawal of Serbian forces from Kosovo and the acceptance by President Milosevic of an international peace keeping force on the ground, to ensure the safe return of refugees.
'A million have fled'
Mr Blair said that President Milosevic would be held responsible for the welfare of the refugees.
Other Nato members are expected to announce similar troop reinforcements.
The British army has a total of 110,000 troops. The additional 1,800 being sent to the Balkans join the 4,500 already in the region.
'Permissive environment' questioned
Liberal Democrat Leader Paddy Ashdown asked the prime minister whether the "permissive environment" required by Nato before ground forces could be committed to Kosovo meant when the "risks are acceptable" or when President Milosevic permitted it.
But Nato's bombing of Serbia was criticised by former Tory minister Alan Clark.
He accused the prime minister of "associating this House and this country with the sustained bombardment of a brave and Christian people who have never injured or even threatened a British citizen".
'Planning for success'
"When the time comes for the refugees to return we will be ready to give them the international protection they will need," he said.
Sir Charles Guthrie, Chief of Defence Staff, added that although the Nato force (Kfor) would pack a "significant military punch" it was not intended as a fighting or invasion force.
Mr Cook revealed that three times as many Nato planes had taken part in bombing raids overnight than in previous attacks with RAF Harriers and Tornados fully involved.
He said the stepped-up bombing was a sign to President Milosevic that Nato's resolve was strong.
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