PRESS RELEASE (1999)058 12 April 1999
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL FOLLOWING THE MEETING OF THE NORTH
ATLANTIC COUNCIL
MONDAY, 12 APRIL 1999
Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mesdames et Messieurs bonjour,
Nous venons de terminer une reunion tres importante des Ministres des
Affaires etrangeres allies, que nous avons entierement consacree a l'examen
de la situation au Kosovo.
La crise du Kosovo constitue une etape decisive dans la definition de notre
vision d'une nouvelle Europe au sein de laquelle les droits de l'homme, les
valeurs democratiques et l'etat de droit prevaudront.
Aujourd'hui, nous avons evalue la situation au Kosovo et les progres que
nous avons faits dans la conduite de l'operation "Force Alliee". Tous les
pays de l'OTAN ont exprime leur indignation face au nettoyage ethnique
entrepris par les forces de securite yougoslaves au Kosovo et aux
expulsions forcees d'une grande partie de la population.
Nous avons rappele notre determination a mettre un terme a ces pratiques
barbares. Le depeuplement systematique du Kosovo ne pourra perdurer. Le
nettoyage ethnique sera stoppe et la paix sera finalement retablie au
Kosovo. Nos operations aeriennes se poursuivront aussi longtemps que
necessaire, jusqu'a ce que nous ayons reussi a convaincre le President
Milosevic d'accepter nos objectifs.
Let me remind you what these objectives are:
- a verifiable stop to all military action and the immediate ending of
violence and repression;
- the withdrawal from Kosovo of the Yugoslav military, police and
paramilitary forces;
- the stationing in Kosovo of an international military presence;
- the unconditional and safe return of all refugees and displaced persons;
- credible assurance of Milosevic's willingness to work on the basis of the
Rambouillet Accords towards a political solution for Kosovo in conformity
with International Law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Our air operations are taking a heavy toll of President Milosevic's army
and security forces. We are tightening the screw on those forces in Kosovo
which are responsible for repressing civilians. Our operations are
effective. They are being carried out according to the moral and
professional standards that you would expect from NATO. We have lost no
pilots and we have kept collateral damage to a minimum.
We have the political will and the resources to maintain our military
pressure until Milosevic backs down. But I want to stress once again;
NATO is not at war with Yugoslavia. Our quarrel is not with the Yugoslav
people but with a government and a military force that are abusing their
people in violation of all accepted norms of human rights.
We condemn the cynical use of refugees by Belgrade as a means of
destabilizing other countries in the region. We are determined that this
tactic shall not succeed - and it has not succeeded.
We have held consultations with Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia. We have assured these countries that we will respond to any
challenges by Yugoslavia to their security stemming from the presence of
NATO forces and their activities on their territories.
At the same time we have mobilized our military resources to assist the
international humanitarian relief operations in the region. NATO forces in
the Former Yugoslav of Macedonia have constructed emergency accommodation
for refugees and have cared for the refugees. NATO troops are also being
deployed to Albania to support the humanitarian efforts there and to assist
the Albanian authorities in providing a secure environment for them.
But as we deal with one humanitarian challenge, we are also aware that
there is another - inside Kosovo itself. We are deeply concerned at the
fate of all the displaced people there who are facing hunger and
exhaustion. This is another major humanitarian crisis in the making and we
are urgently considering whether there are ways in which we might be able
to help.
It is Milosevic who has caused this humanitarian crisis. He planned it and
started to carry it out well before NATO took the decision to act. However,
NATO has been in the forefront of international efforts to solve this
humanitarian crisis. Not only are we trying to stop Milosevic's brutality.
We have also taken care of his victims. We will not forget these
inhumane acts. Milosevic and his commanders will be held accountable for
their actions.
Today we also expressed concern regarding the situation in Montenegro. We
have reaffirmed our support for President Djukanovic. Any move against him
and his government will have grave consequences for President Milosevic.
Finally, it is important that we begin to look beyond the crisis in Kosovo.
The countries of the Former Yugoslavia and their neighbours must be
brought into the European mainstream.
They must all be able to enjoy the same peace, security and prosperity as
the other countries of Europe.
The years of confrontation must come to an end in southeastern Europe or
there will be no future for its peoples.
Today we confirmed that we will play a full part in a comprehensive
approach to stabilize this region. Such an approach which should address
the political, economic, security and humanitarian aspects must involve a
number of institutions but NATO will have its role to play. There are
already several initiatives from the EU and individual Allies. We will see
how we can use the resources of our Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and
the model of the Partnership for Peace to make NATO's contribution.
A democratic Yugoslavia - whose people have a normal relationship with
their neighbours in the Balkans - will have its place in our vision.
So my conclusion after today's meeting is clear: Milosevic is losing and
he knows so.
NATO is united. We have justice and right on our side. We will prevail.