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Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Contact Group Released following peace conference in Rambouillet, France, March 19 1999

1. The Rambouillet Accords are the only peaceful solution to the Kosovo problem.

2. In Paris, the Kosovo delegation seized this opportunity and, by their signature, have committed themselves to the Accords as a whole.

3. Far from seizing this opportunity, the Yugoslav delegation has tried to unravel the Rambouillet Accords.

4. Therefore, after consultation with our partners in the Contact Group (Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United States, the European Union, the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE) we consider there is no purpose in extending the talks any further. The negotiations are adjourned. The talks will not resume unless the Serbs express their acceptance of the Accords.

5. We will immediately engage in consultations with our partners and allies to he ready to act We will be in contact with the Secretary General of NATO. We ask the Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE to take all appropriate measures for the safety of the KVM- The Contact Group will remain seized of the issue.

6. We solemnly warn the authorities in Belgrade against any military offensive on the ground and any impediment to the freedom of movement and of action of the KVM, which would contravene their commitments. Such violations would have the gravest consequences.

[End of Document]

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