Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Russian-trained mercenaries are helping to establish a paramilitary unit in the entity of Republika Sprska in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Our Ambassador discussed this issue with the Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 16 January 2018. We understand that the Minister of Security has submitted evidence relating to a group known as Srpska Čast to the BiH Prosecutor's Office. The Government of Republika Srpska has denied reports that Srpska Čast is a paramilitary organisation. We expect a full investigation into the group's activities by the responsible law enforcement agencies, including those in the Republika Srpska.