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

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
January 18, 1999

Kosovo Verification Mission and Ambassador Walker

The U.S. notes with outrage the FRY Foreign Minister's decision that OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission Director Ambassador William Walker must depart the country within 48 hours. The reasons given by the FRY for this unacceptable step are spurious and unworthy. The United Nations Security Council, the OSCE, and other concerned governments have also spoken out, demanding the FRY decision be reversed.

The FRY authorities have for some time failed to fulfill their commitment to the OSCE with regard to the security of KVM personnel. Despite the binding obligation on the FRY of their October 16, 1998 agreement with the OSCE, they have done nothing to ensure the security of the KVM. To the contrary, they have denied all security-related requests by Amb. Walker and have engaged in a media war against the KVM that has in fact diminished the KVM's security.

We are alarmed by the continuing attacks on the KVM in the government controlled press in Serbia. In a January 17 press statement, Serbian Republic President Milutinovic unleashed a vitriolic personal attack against KVM Director Amb. William Walker. The FRY has now declared Walker "persona non grata", as Serbian and FRY authorities pursue their transparent attempt to divert attention from the tragic massacre in Racak.

The security of the OSCE KVM personnel is of paramount importance to the United States and all OSCE members. We will not tolerate actions that could imperil their safety, and we will not tolerate anything less than full FRY cooperation with the OSCE, the KVM and Ambassador Walker.

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