Mr. Chairman, Ten years and four wars after the death of Yugoslavia, South Eastern Europe remains a region of tension and conflict. The situation in Kosovo is particularly serious. Ethnically motivated violence is disturbingly prevalent. The divided city of Mitrovica has become a symbol of mutual suspicion and hatred.
Reconciliation is in short supply, while retribution is over-abundant.
There is a real risk that the situation in Kosovo will get worse before it gets better. In Belgrade the regime is clinging to its authoritarian policies. Major democratic reform is a prerequisite if the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is to take its place among the nations of Europe. In the meantime there can be no real or long-term stability in the region. Yet all is not gloom.