    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [January 16, 1999]
    [Page 57]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Kosovo
    January 16, 1999

        I condemn in the strongest possible terms the massacre of civilians
    by Serb security forces that took place last night in the village of
    Racak in Kosovo. This was a deliberate and indiscriminate act of murder
    designed to sow fear among the people of Kosovo. It is a clear violation
    of the commitments Serbian authorities have made to NATO. There can be
    no justification for it.
        The perpetrators must be brought to justice. The Serb authorities
    must act immediately to identify those responsible. They must cooperate
    with the Kosovo Verification Mission and the International War Crime
    Tribunal. They must withdraw security forces, carry out all the
    commitments they have made to NATO, and cease their repression.
        We are in close contact with Secretary-General Solana and our NATO allies. Together, we will work to stop
    the repression and prevent an escalation of fighting.
        It is urgent that these murders not trigger a spiral of reprisals.
    Both sides have a responsibility to work towards a peaceful resolution
    of this crisis and for a settlement that allows the people of Kosovo the
    self-government they so clearly deserve.