measures and to define a new status for Kosovo.The European Union remains firmly opposed to independence.It continues to support a special status including a large degree of autonomy for Kosovo, within the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

If an early reduction of tensions is to be achieved, an immediate cessation of violence will be required as well from the Kosovo Albanian side.While commending the commitment of Dr Rugova to a peaceful solution in Kosovo, the European Council calls on the Kosovo Albanian leadership to state clearly its rejection of violent attacks and acts of terrorism.The European Union will play its part in stopping the flow of money and weapons to Kosovo Albanian armed groups.The European Council calls on neighboring States, whose security is a vital factor for the European Union, to ensure that their territory is not used in support of Kosovo Albanian armed activity.

The European Union has been concerned from the outset at the human cost of the fighting in Kosovo.The European Council agreed to take a comprehensive approach to solving the refugee problem within the region, based on the right of all the refugees from Kosovo to return to their homes in conditions of security.The European Council pledged to continue close cooperation with UNHCR and ICRC, in the first instance to provide immediate assistance from the European Community and from Member States to refugees and displaced persons.

Refugee return will require close international monitoring to generate confidence on the part of those returning that the rule of law has been re-established.The European Council decided that the Union would play its full part in an increased international monitoring effort.The European Council urges Belgrade to allow full access for investigations by international forensic experts to clarify the circumstances in which civilians have died.The FRY Government also has an obligation to allow the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) to investigate thoroughly any possible violation of international humanitarian law in Kosovo.

The European Council expressed its full support for Felipe Gonzalez as its Special Representative to the FRY and called on President Milosevic to receive him as soon as possible in order to discuss the full range of the FRY's relations with the EU, including the democratization of the FRY.The European Council also supported the early return of the long-term OSCE missions.The European Council warmly welcomed the outcome of the Parliamentary elections in Montenegro as an endorsement of the reform process pursued by Djukanovic and agreed to continue EU support.

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