 |  |  |
| Return to: Left History: a digital archive | Return to: Say no to imperialist wars! | Return to: NATO-Yugoslav War Internet Resources |
| | |
| Return to: Left History: a digital archive | Return to: Say no to imperialist wars! | Return to: NATO-Yugoslav War Internet Resources |
Russia believes that the most important task at present is to secure unconditional respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yugoslavia, and therefore urges that Yugoslav army and police return to Kosovo and Metohija, permanent Russian representative to the United Nations First Deputy Gennady Gatilov said on Friday.
The international force KFOR has so far been unable efficiently to carry out the tasks of securing legal order and protection of the non-Albanian population in the southern Serbian province, he said. It is necessary to establish constructive cooperation with Yugoslav and Serbian authorities, all the more so since Belgrade has repeatedly confirmed its readiness for such cooperation, said Gatilov.
Without making artificial obstacles, the return of a limited contingent of Yugoslav and Serb military and police forces to Kosovo and Metohija should be secured, he said.
Yugoslavs must take part in the realization of border and customs control at Yugoslavia's borders with Albania and Macedonia, he said. Russia is absolutely displeased with the rate and scale of demilitarization of the so-called Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), which should be absolute under the relevant Security Council resolution.
Essentially, the so-called KLA is realizing its set task to preserve itself as a military organization and de facto seize power in Kosovo and Metohija, in gross violation of the UN resolution, Gatilov said.
KFOR is doubtless working on demilitarizing the so-called KLA, he said, but it is necessary to take more efficient and resolute measures, and even use force when necessary, he said.
Without this, the entire peace operation will be jeopardized, including the security of the international staff who are taking part in it, he said.
For all the above reasons, Russia urges the soonest possible deployment of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and the start of its work in full capacity, said Gatilov.