To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with her counterparts in the Balkan states on the way that the recent history of the region is taught in schools; and if she will make a statement. (83433)

Neither my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, nor I have yet raised this with our counterparts. However, education is part of the reform agenda that officials regularly discuss with Balkan states. We recognise the importance of this issue as a means to tackling inter-ethnic tension in the region. It is a vital element of longer-term stability. We have funded a range of projects to support this, including part funding the book 'Clio in the Balkans—The Politics of History Education'. Our Embassy in Sarajevo is also involved in supporting educational reform. 'Education and Youth' was the theme of our local EU presidency and the ambassador in Sarajevo has co- chaired the Education Reform Committee.