S/PV.3974 Security Council

I should like to inform the Council that I have received letters from the representatives of Germany and Italy in which they request to be invited to participate in the discussion of the item on the Council’s agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite those representatives to participate in the discussion, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. I should like to draw the attention of the members of the Council to document S/1999/77, which contains the text of a letter dated 26 January 1999 from the representatives of the Russian Federation and the United States of America to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting the text of the statement on Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, issued by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Secretary of State of the United States of America, in Moscow, on 26 January 1999. Members of the Council have received photocopies of a letter dated 29 January 1999 from the Permanent Following consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: “The Security Council expresses its deep concern at the escalating violence in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It underlines the risk of a further deterioration in the humanitarian situation if steps are not taken by the parties to reduce tensions. The Council reiterates its concern about attacks on civilians and underlines the need for a full and unhindered investigation of such actions. It calls once again upon the parties to respect fully their obligations under the relevant resolutions and to cease immediately all acts of violence and provocations. “The Security Council welcomes and supports the decisions of 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), following their meeting in London on 29 January 1999 (S/1999/96), which aim at reaching a political settlement between the parties and establish a framework and timetable for that purpose. The Council demands that the parties should accept their responsibilities and comply fully with these decisions and requirements, as with its relevant resolutions. “The Security Council reiterates its full support for international efforts, including those of the Contact Group and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Kosovo Verification Mission, to reduce tensions in Kosovo and facilitate a political settlement on the basis of substantial autonomy and equality for all citizens and ethnic communities in Kosovo and the recognition of the legitimate rights of the Kosovo Albanians and other communities in Kosovo. It reaffirms its commitment “The Security Council will follow the negotiations closely and would welcome members of the Contact Group keeping it informed about the progress reached therein. “The Security Council will remain actively seized of the matter.” The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter.