28 March 1999

(NATO Sec-Gen authorizes broader air ops March 27) (300)

Brussels -- NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana has authorized a
broader range of air operations in Yugoslavia, which will allow NATO
field commanders to intensify their actions against Yugoslav field
forces in the five-day Kosovo crisis.

Solana said March 27 that he directed the NATO Supreme Commander, Gen.
Wesley Clark, to expand the air campaign that began March 24 -- which
opened what officials have called a protracted assault on the Yugoslav
military.

Solana said he ordered the broader air campaign with full support from
all Allied governments, "which are determined to bring a halt to
violence in Kosovo and to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe."

Following is the NATO text:

Statement by the Secretary General of NATO, Dr. Javier Solana, on the
initiation of a broader range of Air Operations in the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia

A few moments ago, I directed SACEUR to initiate a broader range of
air operations in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

I have taken this decision with the support of all Allied governments,
which are determined to bring a halt to violence in Kosovo and to
prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.

With this aim in mind, the broader range of operations will allow NATO
Commanders to intensify their action against Yugoslav forces.

Let me reiterate once again: NATO is not at war with the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia. The responsibility for the current crisis
rests with President Milosevic who has refused to stop his violent
action in Kosovo and has refused to negotiate in good faith.

NATO's ultimate objective remains to contribute to the achievement of
a political solution to the crisis in Kosovo.