Nato Moves Closer to Air Strikes Against Serbia Over Kosovo Crisis

Strategic Insights -

The British Embassy in Belgrade has been shut down as Nato prepares to launch air strikes against Serbia in response to the escalating Kosovo crisis. United States envoy Richard Holbrooke has resumed talks with Serbia's President Slobodan Milosevic, but hopes for a peaceful resolution are dwindling. The crisis has led to a mass exodus of refugees, with an estimated 50,000 living outdoors in appalling conditions, and humanitarian organizations are urging Western governments to keep their borders open.

Key Takeaways:

  • The British Embassy in Belgrade has been shut down as a precautionary measure, with the Ambassador and staff leaving by road for Hungary.
  • United States envoy Richard Holbrooke has resumed talks with Serbia's President Slobodan Milosevic, but hopes for a peaceful resolution are dwindling.
  • Italy and Germany have given their support to action, with Italy allowing military air bases to be used for possible Nato air raids and Germany agreeing to allow its warplanes to take part in air strikes in Kosovo.
  • France has also pledged to make 40 planes available for air strikes if required.
  • The 16-member Nato is meeting informally in Brussels, pending the results of Mr. Holbrooke's talks with President Milosevic, with the aim of authorizing air strikes if necessary.
  • The activation order, if approved, would place the international fleet of some 400 warplanes under the command of General Wesley K. Clark.
  • The crisis has led to a mass exodus of refugees, with an estimated 50,000 living outdoors in appalling conditions.
  • Humanitarian organizations, such as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, are urging Western governments to keep their borders open to Kosovan refugees.
  • Winter is approaching, and the fear is that 50,000 refugees may face hunger and death unless Serb forces are withdrawn and the civilians feel safe enough to return home.

Statistics:

  • 50,000 refugees are living outdoors in Kosovo, in appalling conditions, with the prospect of a "brutal" winter.
  • 400 warplanes are gathered in the region, which could be placed under the command of General Wesley K. Clark if the activation order is approved.
  • 40 planes have been pledged by France to support air strikes in Kosovo.
  • The humanitarian crisis in Kosovo is considered "too unstable and too insecure" to send refugees back, with an estimated 50,000 living in need of assistance.

Sources:

  • THE British Embassy in Belgrade was shut down today as Nato moved closer to air strikes against Serbia over the escalating Kosovo crisis.
  • Decision Foreign Secretary Robin Cook will fly to Brussels tomorrow to discuss the Kosovo crisis with Nato Secretary-General Javier Solana, and Supreme Allied Commander General Wesley K. Clark.
  • Lyndall Sachs, of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, has appealed for Western governments to keep their borders open to Kosovan refugees.
  • In Bucharest, the Romanian government agreed to allow Nato to use its airspace in "emergency and unpredictable situations" if the alliance launches airstrikes against Yugoslavia.