Diplomatic Breakthrough Nears in Kosovo Conflict

Strategic Insights -

Western powers and Russia are close to agreeing on a UN Security Council resolution that could end the Kosovo war, with a breakthrough appearing imminent. However, Nato's military negotiations with Yugoslavia remain deadlocked, with the two sides unable to agree on the terms of a peace deal. Despite this, western foreign ministers are optimistic that a UN resolution could be passed as early as tonight, paving the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council draft resolution could be passed as early as tonight, with the aim of ending the Kosovo war.
  • Nato foreign ministers in Bonn are hopeful that a UN resolution will increase pressure on Yugoslavia to return to stalled talks with Nato military leaders on withdrawing its forces from Kosovo.
  • The draft UN resolution includes provisions for a UN-led security force in Kosovo, which Russia has expressed objections to, citing concerns over the dominance of Nato forces.
  • The UK has suggested that the final UN resolution may not reference Nato at all, although it could include cross-references to the outlined peace proposals agreed last week between Martti Ahtisaari and Slobodan Milosevic.
  • President Bill Clinton has spoken with Russian President Boris Yeltsin and won agreement on the need for quick action through the UN to keep the peace momentum going.
  • Yugoslavia has made a UN resolution a precondition for withdrawing its troops from Kosovo, although its generals have also raised concerns about fuel shortages and the risk of counter-attacks from the Kosovo Liberation Army.

Statistics:

  • 10 days of air attacks by Nato on Yugoslavia have failed to achieve their objectives, with the conflict escalating into a humanitarian crisis.
  • Over 500,000 Kosovo Albanians have been displaced by the conflict, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
  • Nato has accused Yugoslavia of reneging on last week's peace deal, citing advances by Serb forces and the continued presence of troops in Kosovo.
  • The draft UN resolution is being finalized in Cologne today, with the aim of passing it through the UN Security Council as soon as possible.

Sources:

  • Financial Times, "Foreign ministers seek Kosovo deal" (no date)
  • Financial Times, "Kosovo reports" (1999)
  • Page 2 Copyright Financial Times Limited 1999. All Rights Reserved.