Mr. President,
The situation in Kosovo remains serious and clearly constitutes a threat to international peace and security. We are pleased to see the Council today discharging its duty in accordance with the UN Charter in an effort to prevent a flare-up of new armed violence in the Balkans. We therefore welcome the adoption of the resolution before us, imposing an arms embargo on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including Kosovo. For Sweden, peace and stability in the Balkans is a necessary prerequisite for European security.
We condemn the excessive use of force by Serbian special police in Kosovo, which caused several deaths and injuries of unarmed civilians. We also condemn all acts of terrorism. Both sides must exercise restraint and enter into a serious political dialogue on how to settle their differences through exclusively peaceful means, and on the basis of human rights and the rule of law.
Sweden fully supports the declarations made by the Contact Group Ministers on 9 and 25 March in response to the developments in Kosovo.
We agree with the measures recommended in order to persuade the authorities in Belgrade to take necessary steps towards an acceptable solution. It is also incumbent upon the Kosovar Albanian leadership to act responsibly, and facilitate the beginning of a constructive dialogue.
While Belgrade has recently taken some positive steps, much remains to be done. The concrete steps the authorities in Belgrade must take are clearly spelled out in operative paragraph 16 of this resolution. These steps include:
1.) initiating a substantive dialogue on Kosovo with participation of an outside representative or representatives,
2.) withdrawal of the special police,
3.) allowing access to Kosovo by humanitarian organizations and others,
4.) accepting a mission by the OSCE and EU-representative Felipe González as well as the return of the OSCE long-term missions, and
5.) facilitating a mission to Kosovo by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Hopefully, Belgrade will listen to the international community and take these steps, which would enable the Council to reconsider the sanctions. Together with progress in resolving human rights issues and in co-operating with the International Tribunal, this would also enhance the prospects for normalization of FRY's international relations, which we look forward to. If Belgrade does not comply however, additional measures will be considered.
The arms embargo that we are about to impose must be immediately and strictly implemented by all States. As a Member of the European Union, Sweden has already decided to implement not only the arms embargo, but also the other sanctions recommended by the Contact Group, including refusal to supply equipment which can be used for internal repression or for terrorism, denial of visas for officials responsible for the repression and a moratorium on government financed export credits.
Thank you, Mr. President.