Economic and Social Council: United Nations

E
UNITED
NATIONS
Economic and Social Distr.

GENERAL
Council E/CN.4/Sub.2/1998/42
28 August 1998
Original: ENGLISH
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Sub-Commission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection
of Minorities
Fiftieth session
Agenda item 2
QUESTION OF THE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL

FREEDOMS, INCLUDING POLICIES OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
AND SEGREGATION AND OF APARTHEID, IN ALL COUNTRIES, WITH
PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO COLONIAL AND OTHER DEPENDANT
COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES: REPORT OF THE SUB-COMMISSION
UNDER COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTION 8 (XXIII)
Letter dated 24 August 1998 from the Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Permanent
Mission of the Republic of Yugoslavia to the United Nations Office at Geneva
addressed to the Chairman of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of Minorities
I am addressing you with reference to the Statement by the Chairman of

the Sub-Commission of 21 August concerning the recent human rights situation
in the Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohija, Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia. I must note with regret that individual members of the
Sub-Commission are abusing this august body, imposing again unacceptable
stands and assessments which are, first and foremost, detrimental for the
reputation of the Sub-Commission itself.
It is my view that it is inadmissible for the Sub-Commission to be,

once again, drawn into the political pressure campaign launched against
FR Yugoslavia concerning the internal situation in the country.
GE.98-14226 (E)
E/CN.4/Sub.2/1998/42
page 2
The actual cause of the problem in Kosovo and Metohija is separatism

based on terrorism. By boycotting political processes and legitimate State
institutions whenever it suits them, ethnic Albanian political parties seek to
create a distorted picture, whereby ethnic Albanian human and minority rights
are threatened.
Proceeding from the multi-ethnic character of Serbia and FR Yugoslavia,

the Government of Serbia is firmly committed to finding a political solution
through dialogue. This dialogue should imply full respect for the territorial
integrity of Serbia, guaranteeing equal civil and human rights to all citizens
of Kosovo and Metohija, and the highest international level rights to the
members of the Albanian national minority.
The current impasse in the dialogue initiated by President Milosevic and

the Government of Serbia has come about as a result of the efforts of the
Kosovo and Metohija ethnic Albanian political parties, which aspire to
exercising intensified international pressure on Yugoslavia, instead of
engaging in a serious dialogue about real problems which beset this Serbian
province. Accordingly, extremists are encouraged in their schemes, with
further escalation of terrorist activities ensuing.
Double-standard politics concerning terrorism is particularly

detrimental in my view, since it severely impedes the international
community's combating this danger looming over all of us. The attempts to
make a distinction between “good” and “bad” terrorists, proclaiming as bad
only those who directly jeopardize interests of certain countries, and
labelling the others as “human rights fighters”, while at the same time
denying to other countries the right to fight terrorism in their own
territory, are not based on any principles or facts, but on one-sided
assessments, one's own interests and power politics.
Efficient fighting of terrorism implies an impartial approach by all

States and international factors, cooperation on equal footing, respect for
the Charter of the United Nations and for the principles of sovereignty and
territorial integrity of all States. FR Yugoslavia will persevere in giving
its full contribution to this effort.
In order to justify the uncalled-for pressure exerted on Yugoslavia, the

media and the advocates of separatism play games with the numbers of refugees,
alleging that Kosovo and Metohija are ethnically cleansed. As a matter of
fact, the number of displaced persons is much smaller than alleged. The
Government of Serbia has invited all displaced persons and refugees to return
to their homes, guaranteeing their security and offering aid for the repair of
damaged houses.
In conclusion, I wish to underscore that the Statement by the Chairman

does not offer a realistic picture of the current situation in Kosovo and
Metohija, while exaggerating the humanitarian problems there and exercising
counter-productive pressure on FR Yugoslavia. The Governments of Serbia and
FR Yugoslavia are resolute in their efforts to provide, as soon as possible,
E/CN.4/Sub.2/1998/42
page 3
conditions for a safe return of all, once the situation in the province
improves, with terrorists neutralized. Tens of thousands of ethnic Albanians,
Serbs, Montenegrins, Turks, Roma and others have already returned to their
homes in recent weeks, evidence of the efficiency of our efforts, an example
to be followed by all displaced persons before the winter comes.
I would ask you, Mr. Chairman, to have this letter published as an

official document, under Sub-Commission agenda item 2.
(Signed): Mr. Miroslav Miloševi

Chargé d'affaires a.i.
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Economic and Social Distr.

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

QUESTION OF THE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL

I am addressing you with reference to the Statement by the Chairman of

It is my view that it is inadmissible for the Sub-Commission to be,

The actual cause of the problem in Kosovo and Metohija is separatism

Proceeding from the multi-ethnic character of Serbia and FR Yugoslavia,

The current impasse in the dialogue initiated by President Milosevic and

Double-standard politics concerning terrorism is particularly

Efficient fighting of terrorism implies an impartial approach by all

In order to justify the uncalled-for pressure exerted on Yugoslavia, the

In conclusion, I wish to underscore that the Statement by the Chairman

I would ask you, Mr. Chairman, to have this letter published as an

(Signed): Mr. Miroslav Miloševi

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