Annan urges end to violence in FYR of Macedonia

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today reiterated his call for a "complete cessation of violence" in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and stressed the importance of continuing the dialogue among the country's political leaders aimed at "strengthening multi-ethnic relations and democratic norms and restoring stability."

A spokesman for the Secretary-General said in a statement that Mr. Annan continued to follow with deep concern the evolving developments in the country and was very troubled by the renewed armed hostilities there. The Secretary-General was also concerned that the "situation if unchecked will spiral into a more grievous conflict with dire consequences for the entire Balkan region."

The spokesman said that Mr. Annan remained in touch on the matter with European Union High Representative Javier Solana and NATO Secretary General George Robertson, and was fully supportive of their ongoing activities as part of a concerted effort aimed at helping the Republic to avert a deeper crisis.