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

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
March 30, 1999

Secretary Calls Djukanovic About
Stability in Montenegro

Secretary Albright called President Djukanovic on March 29 to express her deep concern about the large inflows of displaced Kosovar citizens and the effects they could have on political, economic, and social stability in Montenegro. She told President Djukanovic the U.S. is increasing humanitarian assistance to Montenegro to help care for displaced Kosovars. The U.S. is also working intensively with UNHCR and other international relief organizations to step up deliveries of emergency assistance.

Secretary Albright commended President Djukanovic for his steadfast leadership through difficult times and underscored that U.S. support for Montenegro is strong and unwavering. She promised the U.S. would increase economic assistance to Montenegro to support the continued implementation of political and economic reforms.

Secretary Albright told President Djukanovic that she remains concerned about a possible attempt by Belgrade to oust his government. Any attempt by Belgrade to overthrow the democratically elected Montenegrin government would only fuel wider regional instability, lead to deeper isolation for the FRY, and escalate the conflict with NATO.

The U.S. is focused on preserving democracy and stability in Montenegro and has worked closely with NATO to exercise restraint and care in targeting FRY military capabilities in Montenegro. NATO is not conducting air strikes against the people of Montenegro and Serbia but against President Milosevic's ability to inflict more human suffering, repression, and violence against the people of the FRY.

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