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25 March, 1999
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Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Statement on NATO air strikes on Kosovo
On March 25, 1999 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine issued the following statement:
"It is with deep anxiety and concern that reports about NATO air strikes on targets located on the territory of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia have been received in Ukraine.
Ukraine, adhering to the norms and principles fixed in the United Nations Charter, believes that the use of military force against a sovereign state is unacceptable without the sanction of the Security Council of the United Nations -- the only body authorized to make decisions directed at maintaining international peace and security.
However, the refusal by Belgrade to sign agreements worked out under the mediation of the Contact Group resulted in the failure of the negotiation process. That is why the requirements of UN Security Council Resolution 1160 (1998) and 1199 (1998) were not fulfilled in full, which led to the use of force.
Ukraine urges the sides in conflict and the international community to make immediate additional efforts in order to stop any further escalation of the conflict. It is necessary to return as soon as possible to peaceful settlement by political means on the basis of maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and providing wide autonomy to Kosovo."
Ukraine once again confirms its readiness to take part in measures aimed at renewal of peace, providing stability and maintaining human rights, including the rights of ethnic minorities in the FRY.
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