October 12, 1998 (8:05 p.m. EDT) No. 242

CANADA TO PARTICIPATE IN NATO MILITARY ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN KOSOVO

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and National Defence Minister Art Eggleton welcomed initial signs of progress in U.S. Ambassador Holbrooke's negotiations aimed at achieving a peaceful solution to the Kosovo crisis. At the same time, the Ministers confirmed that Canada will participate in NATO air operations against Yugoslavia, should that be necessary, to end the conflict there and prevent a humanitarian disaster.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1199, adopted on September 23, imposed clear obligations: that forces of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) cease attacking civilians; that the FRY withdraw forces used to oppress civilians; that FRY authorities begin meaningful negotiations with Kosovar political leaders; that the Kosovars refrain from violence and negotiate; that the delivery of humanitarian assistance be facilitated; and that international observers enjoy freedom of movement.

"The Yugoslav government has failed to comply with the terms of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1199," said Mr. Axworthy. "The United Nations Secretary-General has appealed to the international community to undertake urgent steps to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Kosovo. Regrettably, despite our repeated efforts, it has proven impossible at this time for the Security Council to agree on further action. Canada, like others, still hopes for a diplomatic solution, but believes that NATO's decision today can contribute to ending the conflict and avoiding an even greater human tragedy."

"Following the NATO decision, and with the support of Parliament, the Government of Canada has committed six CF-18 fighter aircraft, a KC-130 tanker aircraft and approximately 180 military personnel to this multinational operation," Mr. Eggleton said. "Canada's decision to participate with our allies in military action reflects our deep concern not only for international security, but also for the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people in Kosovo."

The Canadian Forces personnel and six CF-18 fighter aircraft based in Aviano, Italy, have been taking part in flights over Bosnia to enforce the NATO no-fly zone and support NATO ground forces. They have also participated in two NATO Partnership for Peace exercises to demonstrate NATO's resolve to support stability in the region.

The CF-18 fighter aircraft and crews were pre-positioned in Italy in June, 1998, to ensure that Canada would be in a position to participate in NATO's response to the situation in Kosovo, if diplomatic efforts alone failed to produce results. The KC-130 has been on stand-by for possible deployment to the mission, and is expected to depart when requested by NATO.

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