THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO - MEASURES TO ENSURE A LASTING AND PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO THE CRISIS

Resolution adopted without a vote by the 99th Inter-Parliamentary Conference
(Windhoek, 10 April 1998)

The 99th Inter-Parliamentary Conference,

Deeply concerned by the current situation in the Kosovo province of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which is creating uneasiness and legitimate concern in the neighbouring countries,

Condemning the escalation of terrorism and repression in recent weeks, which has led to many deaths in Kosovo, including women and children,

Recognising UN Security Council resolution 1160 of 31 March 1998 as the basis for considering possible measures which could ensure a durable and peaceful resolution of the crisis,

Noting with satisfaction the statements made on 9 and 25 March 1998 by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America (the Contact Group),

Supporting the efforts and decisions of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the neighbouring countries, as well as other steps undertaken with a view to ensuring a peaceful and equitable settlement in Kosovo,

Recognising that some progress has been achieved in the implementation of the measures specified in the Contact Group statements of 9 and 25 March 1998, yet stressing at the same time the need for further progress,

Supporting a new mission by former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez on behalf of the European Union (EU) and the OSCE,

Affirming adherence to the principle of maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,

Convinced that the human rights situation in Kosovo and the threat of further instability in the entire Balkan region can affect the legitimate interests of the international community, not least as a result of the refugee flows associated therewith,

1. Appeals to all parties to the conflict to return to the principle of non-violence and to refrain from acts of provocation;
2. Calls on the parties to the conflict to engage immediately in mediation talks and to co-operate unconditionally with the international community in order to resolve the conflict;
3. Appeals to all outside observers to refrain from providing funds, supplying weapons and other equipment, or providing training with such weapons and equipment, in support of terrorist activities;
4. Considers efforts to contribute to the consolidation of the positive changes in approaches to the Kosovo crisis as a significant objective of the international community;
5. Expresses its support for UN Security Council resolution 1160 of 31 March 1998, and urges parliaments of the world and the IPU, using all means at their disposal, to ensure the full implementation, by governments, of all its provisions, including a meaningful self-administration for Kosovo;
6. Requests the immediate withdrawal of the Serbian special police forces as well as the end of operations against the civilian population and the cessation of disproportionate control measures;
7. Also requests continued and unrestricted access to Kosovo for all humanitarian organisations.

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