USIA - Text: State Dept. Press Release on Albright-Rugova Meeting, 97-08-15

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TEXT: STATE DEPT. PRESS RELEASE ON ALBRIGHT-RUGOVA MEETING

(United States supports Rugova's nonviolent policies) (560)

State Department spokesman James Rubin said in a statement released today, "The Secretary will reaffirm the United States' support for the nonviolent policies advocated by Dr. Rugova and his party, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK)." At the same time, Rubin pointed out, "The United States is deeply concerned about terrorist actions in Kosovo and the political killings that have taken place there this year. The LDK should publicly condemn any such incidents."

Rubin added that "ethnic Albanians in Kosovo are still denied their most basic human and political rights and suffer repeated abuses at the hands of Serbian authorities, particularly the police and the courts. Real progress on improving the situation in Kosovo remains a central element of the Outer Wall of sanctions against Serbia."

While the United States supports equal rights for Kosovo's Albanians, Rubin stated that "the United States does not support independence for Kosovo. The unilateral redrawing of borders would not contribute to the stability of the region. A solution to the problems of Kosovo can and must be found within the framework of Serbia and the FRY."

Following is the text of the statement.

(Begin text)

August 15, 1997

STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT'S MEETING WITH DR. IBRAHIM RUGOVA

The Secretary will reaffirm the United States' support for the nonviolent policies advocated by Dr. Rugova and his party, the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK). His restraint in the face of serious provocations commands our deepest respect. Both sides should avoid any political actions that might provoke confrontation.

Ethnic Albanians in Kosovo are still denied their most basic human and political rights and suffer repeated abuses at the hands of Serbian authorities, particularly the police and the courts. Real progress on improving the situation in Kosovo remains a central element of the Outer Wall of sanctions against Serbia. There will be no relief from sanctions until Belgrade has taken concrete steps to address the legitimate grievances of the Kosovo Albanian community.

At the same time, the United States does not support independence for Kosovo. The unilateral redrawing of borders would not contribute to the stability of the region. A solution to the problems of Kosovo can and must be found within the framework of Serbia and the "FRY." In this regard, implementation of the Kosovo education agreement is a potentially important confidence-building measure. It is disappointing that agreement on implementation has not yet been reached. The United States hopes to see real progress on this before the beginning of the school year.

The United States is deeply concerned about terrorist actions in Kosovo and the political killings that have taken place there this year. The LDK should publicly condemn any such incidents. The trials in Kosovo of suspected terrorists, however, have fallen far short of Western judicial standards of due process and evidence. Belgrade should not use concern about terrorism as an excuse to increase the pressure on the Kosovar Albanian community still further.

(End text)

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