Ministers of Foreign Affairs of South East European Countries, at their meeting in Istanbul on 8-9 June 1998, discussed many issues of interest relevant for the development of good-neighborly relations, stability, security and cooperation in the area.

In this context, the Meeting provided an excellent opportunity for the Ministers to review also the situation in and around Kosovo since the adoption of the declaration of the five countries of the region issued in Sofia on March 10, 1998, as well as the declaration issued at the end of the meeting of countries of the region in Bonn on 25 March 1998.

Ministers particularly welcomed the exceptional opportunity to have the exchange of views in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Mr. Zivadin Jovanovic. Although there was no consensus as to referring to this issue in the final declaration of the meeting, an open and frank exchange of views took place. All the Ministers agreed, therefore, to leave it at the discretion of the Chairman to reflect a summary of the discussion in a separate Chairman's Statement.

Six Ministers expressed deep concern over the deterioration of the situation in Kosovo which is a matter of particular concern with serious implications on peace and stability for the whole of the region. They strongly emphasized the need for resumption of the dialogue between Belgrade and the representatives of Kosovo and stressed their strong belief that these talks should be conducted in a manner to pave the way for a meaningful and lasting solution to this problem, in accordance with the principles to which the countries of South East Europe are deeply attached.

Ministers condemned the escalation of the violence, terrorism and excessive use of force which costs human lives and suffering. They agreed that the consequences of the problem remaining unresolved could have very negative impact to the processes of the integration of South Eastern Europe with the Europe of the 21st century and to the peace and stability of the region. Should there be new waves of refugees to neighboring countries and to other parts of Europe this would create extremely negative effects for their economies and for stability.

Ministers shared the opinion on the necessity of the continuation of dialogue, and which should be backed by appropriate active international support. In this context, some Ministers particularly welcomed the willingness of international organisations to contribute to the stabilisation of the situation around Kosovo, possibly by future preventive deployments in the neighboring countries. They also expressed the decision of their countries to combine their efforts with those of the members of the Contact Group with a view to achieving a political solution for the problem as well as to precipitate a genuine political dialogue. They agreed that these talks had to safeguard the legitimate human and civil rights of all inhabitants of Kosovo, which have been acquired in the course of history.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Mr. Zivadin Jovanovic stated that the situation in the Kosovo and Metohija region of Serbia was an internal matter which was subject to internal, direct and unconditional dialogue within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He expressed his optimism that the delay in the talks would soon be overcome and that the negotiations would continue. He reiterated that any solution would be in compliance with the principles and standards of the OSCE, Council of Europe and the Framework Convention on National Minorities.

The Ministers agreed that this summary by the Chairman be circulated as an official document of the Conference.