OSCE deplores use of force by Serb military in Kosovo

VIENNA, 11 June 1998 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Polish Foreign Minister Bronislaw Geremek is deeply disturbed by the latest reports by OSCE monitors and other international observers of the grave deterioration of the situation in Kosovo and by an intensified campaign of destruction by Serb security forces of whole towns and villages.

He deplores the excessive and indiscriminate use of force by Serb military and police units which has brought the crisis to the brink of war and threatens international peace and security.

The Chairman-in-Office condemns in the strongest possible terms violence by either side and urges an immediate cessation of hostilities.

He expresses his deep concern about the continued flow of refugees driven by violence across the border into Albania. He calls on the Belgrade authorties to facilitate the return of displaced persons and refugees.

The Chairman-in-Office reiterates his demand that the ICRC, UNHCR, and other humanitarian organizations, as well as representatives of international organizations, embassies, and journalists, be granted full access to all parts of Kosovo. He welcomes the announcement from Belgrade on Monday that international monitoring of the situation will be allowed.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office urges President Milosevic to create conditions for immediate resumption of dialogue.