| Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC June 11, 2001 National Liberation Army Escalates ConflictThe United States condemns in strongest terms the extremist actions of the so-called National Liberation Army and opposes their violent tactics, which aim to undermine Macedonian democracy and threaten regional stability. We call for an end to the violence and for the National Liberation Army to withdraw immediately, beginning with Aracinovo. With the occupation of Aracinovo, the extremists have escalated the conflict and pose a potential threat to NATO supply lines. National Liberation Army actions run directly counter to political reform efforts, harming the true interests of ethnic Albanians in Macedonia and throughout the region. The United States welcomes President Trajkovski's June 8 speech and strongly supports his initiative to advance the political reform dialogue and provide opportunities for those who turn their backs on extremism to reintegrate into Macedonian society. We welcome the Macedonian government's declaration today of a cease-fire as another strong indication of courageous restraint in the face of extremist provocations. We continue to urge the Government of Macedonia to exercise restraint in response to extremist provocations, to use only that force which is necessary and proportionate, and to take steps to avoid endangering civilians. |
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