The members of the Security Council discussed the latest report of the Secretary-General pursuant to United Nations Security Council resolution 1160 (1998) and heard a briefing by Sir Kieran Prendergast on the situation in Kosovo.
The members of the Council express grave concern over the intensified fighting in Kosovo, especially over the ongoing offensive by Belgrade's security forces. The ongoing fighting has had a devastating impact on the civilian population of Kosovo and has increased the numbers of refugees and displaced persons.
The members of the Council stress the importance of the implementation of the prohibitions imposed by resolution 1160 (1998) and express concern over infiltration from outside the borders of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia of weapons and fighting men.
The members of the Council call for an immediate cease-fire, which would enhance the prospects for a meaningful dialogue between the Kosovar Albanian leadership and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities leading to a final end to the violence in Kosovo. The Council members also urge the parties to start the negotiations as soon as possible. The members of the Council believe that the issue of Kosovo can have no military solution and that all violence and acts of terrorism from whatever quarter are unacceptable.
The members of the Council deplore the excessive use of force by Belgrade's security forces and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and express concern about appalling humanitarian situation in Kosovo.
The members of the Council call upon all parties to provide all necessary assistance and cooperation to the activities of international humanitarian organizations and international monitors in Kosovo and underline the need to ensure their full and continuous access.
The members of the Council underline the need to create conditions to allow safe and permanent return of all refugees and internally displaced persons.
The Council members wish to recall the commitments made by President Milosevic to the international community.
The members of the Council affirm the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
The members of the Council wish to make it clear that the Security Council will continue to follow closely the situation in Kosovo and will remain seized of the matter.