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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by M. Lee McClenny, Acting Spokesman
December 24, 1998

U.S. Concerned About Kosovo Violence

The United States condemns the military action undertaken Wednesday by combined forces of the Yugoslav Army and internal security police near Podujevo, Kosovo. We condemn all breaches of the cease-fire and other violations of applicable UN Security Council resolutions in Kosovo, including provocative attacks committed by elements of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Belgrade's disproportionate and indiscriminate reaction, however, cannot be justified.

The increased level of violence in Kosovo causes great concern. All parties need to act with restraint and avoid escalating the conflict. This includes respect for international boundaries and the territorial integrity of all states in the region. Renewed fighting benefits neither Serbs nor Kosovo Albanians and particularly endangers civilians of all ethnic communities.

The tense situation in Kosovo also presents potential danger to international observers and relief workers, personnel whose security the F.R.Y. is obligated to protect. We fully expect Belgrade to live up to these commitments. U.S. officials, our partners and allies, and representatives of international organizations have all made similar points to the parties, and the international community will continue keeping a close watch on the situation in the days and weeks ahead.

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