PRIME MINISTER 53/ 92
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING, MP
SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO IMPOSITION OF MANDATORY UN
SANCTIONS
Australia welcomes the decision by the United Nations
Security Council in Resolution 757 to impose a range of
mandatory sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro. These
sanctions include a trade embargo excluding food and
humanitarian items but including oil, restrictions on the
movement of financial assets, a ban on cultural, sporting
and scientific cooperation, a ban on air links and a
reduction in Belgrade's diplomatic representation.
The UN has taken this decision in view of the failure of
Serbia and Montenegro to abide by earlier Security
Council demands to cease interference in the internal
affairs of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The international
community has been appalled at the senseless loss of life
and suffering resulting from those actions.
The Government is moving expeditiously to implement the
UN decision. Ministers and departments are now working
on the details of implementation, with decisions to go
before the Executive Council tomorrow.
The Yugoslav national airline, JAT, which flies out of
Australia twice a week, will have its services suspended
from this week. Australia has already downgraded its own
diplomatic representation in Belgrade. Cuts to the
Yugoslav diplomatic and consular presence in Australia
will be introduced.
Since the beginning of the break-up of the old Yugoslav
federation last year, Australia has consistently called
for all the disputing parties to exercise maximum
restraint and work towards a negotiated settlement.
Regrettably, the fighting has continued. The attacks on
civilians in Sarajevo have led to the further tragic
loss of innocent life.
The imposition of sanctions is intended to make Belgrade
and its allies modify their behaviour. We hope this will
open the way to a resolution of territorial and communal
differences, thereby bringing to an end the suffering of
all involved in the conflict, including the Serbian
people themselves.
The Government is aware of the anguish and uncertainty
felt by all those in Australia who have relatives and
friends in the areas affected by the fighting. The
Government commends the restraint shown by local
communities in Australia, and urges them to maintain
their patience. I assure these communities that
Australia will continue to work with other countries
towards a lasting and just resolution of the Balkan
conflict. CANBERRA 1 June 1992