Albright issues warnings to Serbia, Iraq
Associated Press, 03/07/98 11:28
ROME (AP) - Secretary of State Madeleine Albright issued stern warnings to Serbia and Iraq today, raising the possibility of strong action against Belgrade for using force in Kosovo and telling Iraq, ''No one is going to give peace an unlimited number of chances.''
Albright commented at a joint news conference with Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini before going to the Vatican for a meeting with Pope John Paul II.
During her talks with Dini, Albright said there was no discussion of armed intervention in Kosovo. But she said that ''there are a broad range of options available to us.''
Albright will attend a meeting Monday in London of the group of six countries monitoring developments in the former Yugoslavia. She said she wants the six to make sure that ''Serbia pays a price'' for its actions in Kosovo, where Serb forces are attempting to crush an independence movement led by Kosovo Albanians.
Later, an administration official said Albright planned to propose a series of ''strong measures'' at the Monday meeting to signal U.S. disapproval of the Serb actions. It was understood that the proposals were largely economic in nature because Albright regards discussion of military steps to be premature at this point.
Dini expressed ''extreme concern'' over the developments in Kosovo and condemned Serbia for the ''violence and brutality'' of its forces in Kosovo. Since the violence erupted last week, an estimated 51 people have died - 45 Albanians and six Serb police.
Albright and Dini also discussed the situation in Iraq. Both agreed that Iraq must live up to its obligations under U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Albright said the United Nations has the tools to carry out inspections in Iraq effectively. The issue, she said, is whether President Saddam Hussein will fulfill his promises to allow them to do so.
Iran was the main area of difference between Albright and Dini. After the European Union lifted a ban on high-level contacts with Iran 10 days ago, Dini paid an official visit to Iran.
Albright and Dini agreed that the words of moderation coming from Tehran must be matched by deeds. But Albright acknowledged there might be some differences between the United States and the Europeans on ''pacing and tactics'' concerning Iran.
Albright is on the second leg of a five day foreign tour that also will take her to France, Germany, Britain, Spain and Canada.
State Department spokesman James P. Rubin said that Albright, in her meeting with the pope, discussed his late January visit to Cuba.
''She stressed America's desire to find ways to help the Cuban people without strengthening their repressive government,'' Rubin said.
Later, an administration official, asking not to be identified, said Albright told the pope that his visit to the island could be a ''point of departure'' for eventual political change in Cuba. |
