SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DEVELOPMENTS IN FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER DEVELOPMENTS IN FORMER

YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Following is the text of a statement issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General continues to follow with deep concern the evolving developments in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.  He is very troubled by the renewed armed hostilities and concerned that the situation if unchecked will spiral into a more grievous conflict with dire consequences for the entire Balkan region.

The Secretary-General remains in touch with European Union (EU) High Representative Javier Solana and with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) secretary-general George Robertson on the matter and fully supports their ongoing activities as part of a concerted effort aimed at helping the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia avert a deeper crisis.

He reiterates his call for a complete cessation of violence and the importance of continuing the dialogue among the political leaders of the country aimed at strengthening multi-ethnic relations and democratic norms and restoring stability.

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