Japan's Contribution to the Kosovo

April 27, 1999

1. The challenge facing the international community in Kosovo is to put an end to the systematic repression and massive forced expulsion of the civilian population in Kosovo as soon as possible, and to change this region from a region of war and confusion to that of peace and prosperity.
   
   
2. In order to meet these challenges, it is necessary to first realize an early political solution to the Kosovo crisis. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has already announced the conditions to end hostilities in Kosovo. Japan strongly hopes that the government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will accept the international community's demands as reflected by the Secretary-General's statement. The acceptance will bring about a suspension of NATO's use of military force and pave a path to peace. As a member of the G8, Japan will continue to contribute to achieving a political solution.
   
   
3. Japan has decided to provide assistance worth approximately 200 million dollars, taking into account the report prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' survey mission. The details are as follows.
   
   

   (1)	First, for refugee assistance, Japan will add 25 million dollars to the 15 million dollars which has already been announced and provide 40 million dollars in total to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international organizations. Furthermore, as material assistance, Japan will provide 10,000 blankets and 5,000 sleeping mats to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on top of the 1,000 tents that have already been provided.
   (2)	Second, as assistance to the neighboring countries which have been accepting a large number of refugees, Japan will provide 30 million dollars worth of grant aid to Macedonia and Albania. Japan will additionally provide 30 million dollars, which will make the total amount to be provided to these countries 60 million dollars over the next two years. In addition to financial assistance, Japan will send medical specialists and other support staff and also provide related medical equipment, as assistance to medical and other fields.
   (3)	Third, once a peace agreement is reached, Japan will provide approximately 100 million dollars to the "Human Security Fund" at the UN, initiated by Prime Minister Obuchi, and to other Funds to primarily assist the rehabilitation of Kosovo and the return of refugees.
   (4)	Fourth, for both the government and Japanese NGOs to act in unison, Japan will provide financial support to assistance activities carried out by Japanese NGOs. Japan will also provide assistance which will enable Japanese volunteers to participate in activities conducted by international humanitarian organizations.

4. The situation in Kosovo remains fluid. Japan will consider further assistance measures as the situation develops in the future.