UN adopts Kosovo resolution

United Nations - The UN Security Council yesterday warned the Yugoslav President, Mr Slobodan Milosevic, of possible "further…

United Nations - The UN Security Council yesterday warned the Yugoslav President, Mr Slobodan Milosevic, of possible "further action" unless he takes concrete steps to end bloodshed in Kosovo.

The 15-member council adopted resolution 1199 by 14-0 votes. The resolution, calling for a ceasefire, negotiations and immediate steps to improve the humanitarian situation in the Serbian province, states that the Security Council is acting under Chapter VII of the UN charter. Chapter VII provides for enforcement measures, including military action.

China abstained on the ground that the conflict between Serbian forces and separatist ethnic Albanians in the southern Yugoslav province was an internal matter, and warned that the resolution could encourage the separatists.