THE RAMBOUILLET TALKS

PREPARATION OF THE CONFERENCE

127. U.S. Secretary of State Albright and Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov, Joint Statement, Moscow, 26 January 1999

Secretary Albright and Foreign Minister Ivanov expressed their preoccupation with the recent deterioration in the situation in Kosovo. They noted positively the outcome of the Contact Group Political Directors meeting in London January 22. The sides in Kosovo must work harder to achieve an interim political settlement providing substantial autonomy for Kosovo and should engage in meaningful intensive negotiations for that purpose. Such a settlement should respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the FRY. Russia and the United States, backing the efforts of Ambassadors Hill and Petritsch, will continue to press the sides to agree on such a political settlement, and will collaborate in the Contact Group toward that end.

Secretary Albright and Foreign Minister Ivanov expressed their complete commitment to the unimpeded functioning of the OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission under the leadership of Ambassador William Walker. All attacks on and threats to the OSCE KVM must cease immediately. It is incumbent upon everyone in Kosovo to ensure the safety of KVM and other international personnel. They call on FRY authorities and media to create a supportive atmosphere for the activities of the KVM and its Head of Mission.