Date: June 10, 1999
Re: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's speech

Dear friends,
     This is the speech UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan gave after the UN
adopted the resolution for administering the peace in Yugoslavia. This
speech, and the overall approach to the resolution of the crisis, on all
sides, is very principled, and is a good model for the way things should be
done. It is only because all the nations participating in the conflict
could submit to the governance under the United Nations, which is the right
way, could the problem be solved and a hope for genuine peace realized. So,
as Sec.-Gen. Annan says, now there is a lot of work to be done -- and that
is the second part of the overall challenge.
          Yours truly,
          William Stoertz, Moscow
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
   With this resolution, the United Nations Security Council has charted
the way towards a better future for the inhabitants of Kosovo. A future in
which all the refugees and internally displaced persons can return safely
to their homes. A future in which full respect is assured for the civil
political and human rights of all.
   Today, we are seeing at least the beginning of the end of a dark and
desolate chapter in the history of the Balkans. Today, we embark on the
path of peace. This path will be marked by difficulties and dangers that
will require no less courage and determination than the events that brought
us to this point. Let no one be in any doubt about the magnitude of our
challenge: after the violence, the human rights abuses, the expulsions and
the devastation of the last year, the task of restoring Kosovo to a
semblance of normal life is immense.
   Rebuilding homes, restoring infrastructure, renewing institutions, and
revitalizing civil society will require sacrifice, dedication and
persistence on the part of all who share responsibility for the future of
Kosovo. In planning terms, winter is fast approaching and we are in a race
against time.
   The United Nations is determined to lead the civilian implementation of
the peace effectively and efficiently. But to do so, we need the
cooperation of all parties. And we need the means to carry out the mandate.
   The commitment to peace is not enough. The will to implement it -- in
all its aspects -- is what counts. This includes tasks for which the United
Nations is not responsible, but which are vital if peace and stability are
to be restored.
   I have in mind, for example, the need for the full withdrawal of Serb
military, paramilitary and police force, and for the demilitarization of
the Kosovo Liberation Army. I look to those responsible for the security
aspects of the resolution to act swiftly.
   I intend very soon to revert to the Security Council with specific
proposals on how to make the civilian operation authorized by this
resolution truly integrated and effective.
   There also lies ahead the hard and extremely complex work of building a
durable peace, of reconciling positions which are far apart. In doing so,
we need to deal with the roots of this crisis.
   I said a few minutes ago that this was the beginning of the end of a
dark and ugly chapter.
   Let us rejoice today that the Council has adopted a landmark resolution,
which gives strong legal underpinning to the task ahead. But let us not be
triumphalist, for that task is indeed daunting.
   Instead, let us -- all of us -- buckle down and get on with the job.



Return to front page

Would you like to send William Stoertz your comments ?