In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/6583

SECRETARY-GENERAL DISTURBED BY INTENSIFYING CAMPAIGN AGAINST UNARMED, CIVILIAN POPULATION IN KOSOVO

5 June 1998


Press Release
SG/SM/6583


SECRETARY-GENERAL DISTURBED BY INTENSIFYING CAMPAIGN AGAINST UNARMED, CIVILIAN POPULATION IN KOSOVO

19980605 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by the latest reports of an intensifying campaign against the unarmed, civilian population in Kosovo. He reiterates in the strongest possible terms his condemnation of the atrocities committed by Serbian military and para-military forces. They must not be allowed to repeat the campaign of "ethnic cleansing" and indiscriminate attacks on civilians that characterized the war in Bosnia. If the world has learned anything from that dark chapter in history, it is that this kind of aggression must be confronted immediately and with determination. The Secretary-General is encouraged by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's resolve to prevent a further escalation of the fighting and reiterates his call for a negotiated settlement that will facilitate a peaceful and democratic future for the people of Kosovo.

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For information media. Not an official record.