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

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
April 16, 1999

Secretary Albright’s Address to the People of Serbia

Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright today addressed the population of Serbia in their own language regarding the crisis in Kosovo. In what will be a regular series of remarks to the people of Serbia, the Secretary seeks to challenge the misinformation and propaganda disseminated by Belgrade. The text of her remarks is below.

"I am speaking again to the people of Serbia because I believe your leaders are not telling you the truth about what is going on in the conflict over Kosovo.

"I recognize that you may not believe me either. But you can believe your own eyes and ears. They tell you that the nineteen nations of NATO and the fifteen nations of the European Union are united against the policies of the Belgrade regime. And they tell you that your closest neighbors share NATO’s goals.

"You must wonder why this is so. We do not want to harm the Serb people. We have no secret agendas. NATO has no wish to conquer your country and expand eastward. We have recognized Kosovo as part of your country. But our nations cannot stand by while thousands of innocent people are killed or driven from their homes.

"And that is what Serb forces are doing in Kosovo. Your state media will not tell you this. But the world knows it is the truth.

"Your President can stop NATO bombing tomorrow by choosing peace and respect for human rights. That would be the right choice for Kosovo and all of Serbia."

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