SECRETARY-GENERAL EXHORTS PARTIES TO NEW EFFORTS FOR NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT IN FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXHORTS PARTIES TO NEW EFFORTS FOR NEGOTIATED

SETTLEMENT IN FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

This statement was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General continues to follow closely events in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.  He is convinced that there cannot be a military solution to the present crisis and emphasizes the heavy responsibility that now rests on political leaders and others concerned for the future of their country and for peace in the region.  He also expresses his support for the ongoing efforts of the European Union and welcomes the recent ceasefire negotiated by the European Union High Representative, Javier Solana.

The Secretary-General calls upon the parties to fully honour the ceasefire agreement and to reinvigorate their efforts towards a negotiated political settlement.  Every effort must be made to avoid further violence and any form of provocation irrespective from which quarter, and to act decisively to resume the political dialogue and prevent the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from sliding further towards war.

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