Ukraine expresses concern over events in Kosovo (02/07/99)

Ukraine expresses concern over events in Kosovo

Embassy of Ukraine

WASHINGTON - On January 19 the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Ukraine released a statement concerning recent events in Kosovo. The ministry deplored the aggravation of tensions in the province, which led to heavy casualties among civilians. It expressed its concern over the growing number and scale of armed clashes.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said it is particularly worried by the danger this poses to the members of the OSCE Verification Mission. It also expressed its disapproval of the Yugoslav authorities' ultimatum to the head of the mission, demanding that he leave the country, and the unwillingness of the government to allow international investigation of the massacres that took place in the province.

"The unilateral steps undertaken by the Yugoslav side against the head of the mission violate its obligations before the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and create a dangerous precedent. Only constructive cooperation of the Yugoslav side with the International Verification Mission will allow international experts to evaluate the circumstances of the dramatic events at Racak and prevent further deterioration the situation," noted Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine supports the decision of the U.N. Security Council of January 18. It condemns attempts at violent resolution of the Kosovo problem and acts of terrorism. It also denounces attempts to undermine the process of peaceful settlement and renew wide-scale fighting in the province. The sides to the conflict have to refrain from hostilities, renew the negotiation process and adhere unconditionally to the obligations undertaken by them regarding safety of the International Verification Mission personnel," the statement noted.

Ukraine has consistently supported a political settlement of the situation in Kosovo based on the principles of territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, wide autonomy for the province, and adherence to human rights and the rights of national minorities.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ukraine is actively involved in international efforts in the Balkans, in particular in the management of the Kosovo crisis, and it is ready to continue to facilitate peacemaking efforts in the region and to extend its participation in them.

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