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Global labour group calls for urgent UN initiatives in the Yugoslav-Kosovo crisis

Brussels, March 26 1999 (ICFTU OnLine): The Brussels-based International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) has called on UN Secretary-General Koffi Anan to urgently take initiatives with a view to promoting a diplomatic settlement to the Yugoslav-Kosovo crisis.

"Urgent measures needs to be taken to promote and create the conditions for a resumption of dialogue and the search for a peaceful settlement", says ICFTU General Secretary in a message sent today to M. Anan.

The ICFTU says it deplores the loss of innocent lives and expressed deep concern over the fate of refugees trying to leave the conflict zones. "The situation of refugees needs to be addressed immediately and the UN, and its relevant UN agencies, should take the lead to mobilise resources and action in that respect", the ICFTU communication says.

In separate letters addressed to democratic trade unions in both Serbia (Nezavisnost) and Kosovo (BSPK) the ICFTU expressed support for workers and their families in this tragic moment and urged them to continue promoting dialogue and peace.

The Confederation, however, condemned the repression unleashed in Serbia by the Milosevic regime and targeted at the democratic opposition and the media. It also condemned attacks by Serbian forces in Kosovo and the arrest and subsequent assassination of Agim Hajrizi, President of the BSPK Assembly and founding member of the independent trade union. Mr Hajrizi's mother and his twelve-year-old son were also murdered. The ICFTU is also concerned about the whereabouts of BSPK president H. Gorani who has not been heard of since police raided his house last night.

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)
Boulevard Emile Jacqmain 155, B - 1210 Brussels, Belgium. For more information
please contact: Luc Demaret on: 00 322 224 0212 - press@icftu.org

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