Press Release (98)93 12 August 1998

Statement by the Secretary General of NATO The Secretary General of NATO, Dr. Javier Solana, is deeply concerned by the continuing violence in Kosovo and its effect on the civilian population of the region for which President Milosevic bears a heavy responsibility. The Alliance fully supports the efforts of the international community to encourage negotiations on a solution to the conflict. To this end, the Council today reviewed military planning for a full range of options to bring an end to violence and to create the conditions for negotiations. These include the use of ground and air power and in particular a full-range of options for the use of air power alone. They ensure that NATO can act swiftly and effectively should the need arise. NATO's military authorities have been authorised to approach nations informally about the forces which they would be ready to commit to possible air operations. The Alliance continues to monitor the situation closely.