Serb Compliance with UNSC Resolution 1199: 10/22/98

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Serb Compliance with September 23 UN Security Council Resolution 1199
Released by the Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs, Office of South Central European Affairs,
U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC,
October 22, 1998

Resolution Requirement

Comment

Cease hostilities and maintain a cease fire Observers report the situation generally calm yesterday. French press reported six "heavy artillery" explosions near Lapusnik. The UCK [Ushtria Çlirimtare e Kosovës - the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)] claimed it had no role in the deaths of three Serbian policemen over the weekend.

Cease security forces actions affecting civilians and withdraw forces used in repression of civilians Observers report no significant change in VJ (Yugoslav Army) or MUP (Serbian Ministry of the Interior troops) presence in Kosovo, but noticed a slightly lower MUP profile along the Pec-Djakovica/Pec-Pristina roads and an increased UCK presence near Pagarusa, Albanian press claimed VJ soldiers hid their presence from observers yesterday in Klina.

Provide security for international monitors Observers reported no problems with security forces.

Allow freedom of movement for international monitors Observers were allowed access on the 19 October to a police base at the previously restricted Istok prison. One the 20th, the VJ denied observers access to the Podujevo-Gornja Lapastica road and the Komorane-Stankovce road.

Improve the humanitarian situation UNHCR estimates that 35,000 IDPs continue to live in the open. FRY maintains an embargo on the commercial supply of wheat flour, oil, sugar, milk, and detergent.

Facilitate return of refugees and displaced persons; permit free access for humanitarian organizations NGOs enjoy freedom of movement as aid convoys continue. Serb police authorized UNHCR to run future aid convoys without prior approval. KDOM noted, on the 20th, that the overall police presence in Kosovo is reduced, particularly along the Djakovica-Junik-Decane-Pec road and the entire Pec-Pristina main road.

Establish and abide by a timetable for talks on confidence building measures and a political solution Belgrade said it is willing to grant limited autonomy. The Serbian government has endorsed a timetable for compliance on the status of international presence and verification, a political solution, and election procedures.

Enter a meaningful dialogue on a political solution Milosevic has agreed to allow observers on the ground and overflights of Kosovo to verify agreements, but has still not reached a political settlement with Kosovar Albanians.

Cooperate with war crimes tribunal ICTY [International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia] Deputy Prosecutor Blewitt announced on 14 October that the FRY has issued visas to a team of Tribunal investigators and has agreed to allow the Tribunal to resume its investigation of possible war crimes committed in Kosovo.

Bring to justice members of the security forces involved in mistreatment of civilians and destruction of property Belgrade claims to be concluding a full internal investigation of Gornje Obrinje and other massacres, and has agreed to allow a Finnish-led delegation into Kosovo to conduct an independent forensic investigation of alleged Serb and UCK atrocities. No charges reported to be pending against any member of the security forces.

[End of Document]
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Resolution Requirement	Comment
Cease hostilities and maintain a cease fire	Observers report the situation generally calm yesterday. French press reported six "heavy artillery" explosions near Lapusnik. The UCK [Ushtria Çlirimtare e Kosovës - the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)] claimed it had no role in the deaths of three Serbian policemen over the weekend.
Cease security forces actions affecting civilians and withdraw forces used in repression of civilians	Observers report no significant change in VJ (Yugoslav Army) or MUP (Serbian Ministry of the Interior troops) presence in Kosovo, but noticed a slightly lower MUP profile along the Pec-Djakovica/Pec-Pristina roads and an increased UCK presence near Pagarusa, Albanian press claimed VJ soldiers hid their presence from observers yesterday in Klina.
Provide security for international monitors	Observers reported no problems with security forces.
Allow freedom of movement for international monitors	Observers were allowed access on the 19 October to a police base at the previously restricted Istok prison. One the 20th, the VJ denied observers access to the Podujevo-Gornja Lapastica road and the Komorane-Stankovce road.
Improve the humanitarian situation	UNHCR estimates that 35,000 IDPs continue to live in the open. FRY maintains an embargo on the commercial supply of wheat flour, oil, sugar, milk, and detergent.
Facilitate return of refugees and displaced persons; permit free access for humanitarian organizations	NGOs enjoy freedom of movement as aid convoys continue. Serb police authorized UNHCR to run future aid convoys without prior approval. KDOM noted, on the 20th, that the overall police presence in Kosovo is reduced, particularly along the Djakovica-Junik-Decane-Pec road and the entire Pec-Pristina main road.
Establish and abide by a timetable for talks on confidence building measures and a political solution	Belgrade said it is willing to grant limited autonomy. The Serbian government has endorsed a timetable for compliance on the status of international presence and verification, a political solution, and election procedures.
Enter a meaningful dialogue on a political solution	Milosevic has agreed to allow observers on the ground and overflights of Kosovo to verify agreements, but has still not reached a political settlement with Kosovar Albanians.
Cooperate with war crimes tribunal	ICTY [International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia] Deputy Prosecutor Blewitt announced on 14 October that the FRY has issued visas to a team of Tribunal investigators and has agreed to allow the Tribunal to resume its investigation of possible war crimes committed in Kosovo.
Bring to justice members of the security forces involved in mistreatment of civilians and destruction of property	Belgrade claims to be concluding a full internal investigation of Gornje Obrinje and other massacres, and has agreed to allow a Finnish-led delegation into Kosovo to conduct an independent forensic investigation of alleged Serb and UCK atrocities. No charges reported to be pending against any member of the security forces.