MEDIA RELEASE

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ALEXANDER DOWNER

10 March 1998

CALL FOR DIALOGUE AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN KOSOVO

I am deeply concerned about the recent violent incidents and deaths in Kosovo.

The Australian Government condemns the use of force by the Serbian authorities to repress peaceful demonstrations and the use of excessive force to put down alleged terrorist activities. The Government also condemns the resort to violence by extreme nationalist groups, such as the so-called Kosovo Liberation Army, to achieve their political goals.

I join with others in the international community in urging all parties to show restraint and to refrain from further violence.

The Australian Government supports all relevant UN resolutions on the human rights situation in Kosovo. It believes that any long-term solution requires respect for the legitimate human rights and interests of all concerned and calls on all parties to undertake a constructive dialogue aimed at reaching such a solution.

The Government strongly supports the efforts of the members of the contact group (the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, Germany and Italy), and, as appropriate, the United Nations, the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to assist in the search for a settlement.