PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN UNION

Press Briefing

PRESS CONFERENCE BY PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN UNION

The Foreign Minister of Austria, Wolfgang Schussel, speaking in his capacity as President of the European Union (EU), said at a Headquarters press conference today that a unified diplomatic effort between the EU, the United States and Russia led to the adoption of yesterday's Security Council resolution (S/1998/1199) on bringing stability to Kosovo.

He then outlined the Union's main priorities over the next 12 months, on the regional level, the world stage and at the United Nations.

He said that the recent meeting between himself, German Foreign Minister Klaus Klinkel and United Kingdom Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Joyce Quin, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Evgueni Primakov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Igor S. Ivanov resulted in the Russian Federation lifting its opposition to the Security Council taking strong measures against Yugoslavia in pursuit of a peaceful solution to conflict in the region. The success of the resolution signified that the Russian Federation could be expected to take on a greater role in the international community in the future, he observed.

He urged the Council to work on time tables for the implementation of provisions of the resolution, including a deadline for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of special forces units, an end to terrorist actions and conditions that would allow full access to the region within a fortnight by representatives of the European Commission and non-governmental organizations. The schedule for delivery of humanitarian aid to a refugee population -- which he estimated at over 300,000 -- as well as the creation and deployment of a permanent monitoring mission, must also be determined and enforced, he continued.

He then announced the appointment of an EU envoy to the region, Wolfgang Petritsch of Austria, who would work closely with United States Ambassador to the Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia, Christopher Hill, who is coordinating American efforts in stabilizing the region.

He added that the EU has requested its security arm, the Western European Union, to undertake a study of the feasibility of sending 600 police officers to address instability on the other side of Kosovo's border, in the Republic of Albania. He noted that recent turmoil there had resulted in the death of an opposition leader and the burning down of the Prime Minister's office by a group of demonstrators. He noted that a conspicuous absence of police officers in international news footage of these events had reinforced the need for this action, and that the situation was approaching a point of genuine concern over the possibility of a coup d'etat.

In reply to a question as to how Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic would react to the Security Council's Kosovo resolution, Mr. Schussel said he expected Mr. Milosevic only to pull back forces when international efforts provided enough pressure to force him to, "and not a moment before".

Regarding the EU's international initiatives, Mr. Schussel noted that the EU was the main financial contributor to the United Nations, paying 36 per cent of its regular budget, nearly 40 per cent of foreign aid, between 55-60 per cent of the cost of peacekeeping operations and nearly 60 per cent of aid to Palestine. As a result of that contribution, he suggested that the EU had the right to ask other Members to pay their dues as well. The goal for the next century should be a reformed United Nations on sound financial footing, he said. He asserted that the EU pays more than 50 per cent of the budget of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as well, and hoped that this contribution would encourage the Secretary-General to appoint the EU candidate for UNDP Administrator, Poul Nielson of Denmark.

He also emphasized the EU's concern about the mistreatment of children through child labour, sexual exploitation, pornography and the internet exploitation of children, explaining that a balance had to be reached between freedom of expression and the potential abuse of the souls of future generations.

In response to a question about Iranian President Seyed Mohammad Khatami, Mr. Schussel said he considered the President's arrival on the political scene very positive, and deserving of the support of the EU, but cautioned that most outside observers could see where the "real power" lies in Iran.

In response to a question of another correspondent, he said that stabilizing peace in Bosnia would require the presence of international military forces, a lot of money and much patience.

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