Meeting of Deputy Secretary Richard L. Armitage and Serbia and Montenegro Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic

Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage met today with Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic to discuss the current situation in Kosovo. Both stated that the immediate priority is to end the violence that has occurred across Kosovo in recent days. The Deputy Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed their joint concern over the present situation in Kosovo and agreed that UNMIK and KFOR must act decisively to protect persons and property from further violence, particularly the Serbian communities and patrimonial sites which have been the targets of attacks over the past two days. Deputy Secretary Armitage reviewed the actions underway to ensure that KFOR has the troops and resources it needs to restore public order. The Deputy Secretary and Foreign Minister concurred that no party can be allowed to profit or advance a political agenda through violent measures.

Deputy Secretary Armitage also praised the quick action of Belgrade authorities in quelling violence against Muslim religious sites and properties in Serbia, and thanked the Serbian Government for effectively strengthening measures to protect diplomatic missions and minority cultural sites.

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