Even if the impact can be mitigated by sound economic fundamentals such as our two economies enjoy, no economy is immune. And it remains true that the heaviest burden falls upon the weaker and the poorer nations. Nor can we insulate ourselves from the effects of violent conflicts. Whether it be in Africa or Europe, a conflict in one country can easily destabilise a whole region and threaten peace, stability and prosperity even more widely. One cannot be in Hungary at this time and not have one's anxiety about developments in the Balkans made deeper still.
All conflicts reach a point at which neither side is absolutely right or wrong.
Even from afar, one can only be deeply disturbed by the images we see on television of innocent victim of ethnic cleansing and the violation of human rights. One can only be deeply concerned at the use of force without regard for the authority of the world body responsible for the collective resolution of conflict. It is these concerns that have led us to condemn both sides, and to support all the efforts that are being made to secure a return to negotiation to resolve the issues relating to Kosovo. Our own humble experience has shown that even those problems which seem intractable and rooted in generations of experience can be resolved by talking and discussion. It is also because our freedom was achieved with the support of those, including yourselves, who cared even though they were far removed from our oppression and suffering.