Women in Kosovo

Oslo, Norway, 15-16 May 1998

Statement

Socialist International Women expresses its deepest concern about the conflict in Kosovo and the continuing increase in violence in that region.

With the risk of conflict spreading to surrounding areas, it is extremely urgent that a meaningful and constructive dialogue, without any preconditions, is started between the Belgrade authorities and the representatives of the Albanian Community of Kosovo.

SIW supports the efforts for a political solution, taken by the United Nations and the OSCE and its special representative Felipe Gónzalez.

In this conflict, as in others, the victims are civilians, especially women and children. Therefore, SIW welcomes peace initiatives of groups such as Women in Black.

SIW expresses its solidarity with the women of the region who are seeking a constructive and peaceful solution to the future of Kosovo.