SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1189
at its 3915th meeting, on 13 August 1998
The Security Council,
Deeply disturbed by the indiscriminate and outrageous acts of international terrorism that took place on 7 August 1998 in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, Condemning such acts which have a damaging effect on international relations and jeopardize the security of states,
Convinced that the suppression of acts of international terrorism is essential for the maintenance of international peace and security, and reaffirming the determination of the international community to eliminate international terrorism in all forms and manifestations,
Also reaffirming the obligations of Member States under the Charter of the United Nations,
Stressing that every Member State has the duty to refrain from organizing, instigating, assisting or participating in terrorist acts in another State or acquiescing in organized activities within its territory directed towards the commission of such acts,
Mindful of General Assembly resolution 52/164 of 15 December 1997 on the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings,
Recalling that, in the statement issued on 31 January 1992 (S/23500) on the occasion of the meeting of the Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Council expressed its deep concern over acts of international terrorism, and emphasized the need for the international community to deal effectively with all such criminal acts,
Also stressing the need to strengthen international cooperation between states in order to adopt practical and effective measures to prevent, combat and eliminate all forms of terrorism affecting the international community as a whole,
Commending the responses of the Governments of Kenya, Tanzania and the United States of America to the terrorist bomb attacks in Kenya and Tanzania,
Determined to eliminate international terrorism,
1. Strongly condemns the terrorist bomb attacks in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on 7 August 1998 which claimed hundreds of innocent lives, injured thousands of people and caused massive destruction to property;
2. Expressing its deep sorrow, sympathy and condolences to the families of the innocent victims of the terrorist bomb attacks during this difficult time;
3. Calls upon all States and international institutions to cooperate with and provide support and assistance to the ongoing investigations in Kenya, Tanzania and the United States to apprehend the perpetrators of these cowardly criminal acts and to bring them swiftly to justice;
4. Expresses its sincere gratitude to all states, international institutions and voluntary organizations for their encouragement and timely response to the requests for assistance from the Governments of Kenya and Tanzania, and urges them to assist the affected countries, especially in the reconstruction of infrastructure and disaster preparedness;
5. Calls upon all States to adopt, in accordance with international law and as a matter of priority, effective and practical measures for security cooperation, for the prevention of such acts of terrorism, and for the prosecution and punishment of their perpetrators;
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
22 February 1998
According to BETA news agency, Pristina:
Special American representative for the former Yugoslavia Robert Gelbard said that he condemns the terrorism practised by the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK). Following his discussions with I. Rugova, Gelbard said that he thinks that it is "very important to establish a firmer and positive dialogue between the leadership of the Kosovo Albanians and the FRY Government, with a view to relaxing tensions and establishing mutual confidence".
23 February 1998
According to BETA news agency, Pristina:
At a press conference staged yesterday evening in the Information Centre at the end of his stay in Pristina, R. Gelbard said that the USA also condemn the attacks on the police force "by the group that calls itself the Kosovo Liberation Army". He added that the "USA finds that a terrorist organisation is involved and that its acts are of a terrorist nature".
On the same day, R. Gelbard said in Belgrade that "responsible and democratic leaders of the Kosovo Albanians should condemn terrorism and show whose side they are on".
23 February 1998, Belgrade
At a press briefing held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Belgrade, special representative Robert Gelbard said that "we are deeply upset and strongly condemn the unacceptable violence caused by the terrorist acts committed by terrorist groups in Kosovo, particularly by the "KLA" - the Kosovo Liberation Army. That is a terrorist group beyond any doubt. I will accept no excuses. Having worked on the problem of terrorist activity, I know very well how to recognise a terrorist group, to define it without any rhetorics, sticking to facts only. The activity of such groups is self-explanatory".
29 June 1998
With reference to the meetings of the USA representatives with members of the "KLA", the Pentagon spokesman MacLenny said the following at a press conference: "… We are of the opinion that the Kosovo Liberation Army has committed acts of terrorism, as we have already said several times here. We have addressed this issue a number of times and frankly speaking, we do not see the point of dwelling on this issue endlessly…"
"The Secretary of State determines through a special legal procedure, when an organisation is a 'terrorist organisation'. Such a determination was not done in case of the "KLA", and that is all"
7 July 1998
From a press conference held at the Department of State: "Question: - Ambassador Robert Gelbard said earlier that the "KLA" is a terrorist organisation. In the opinion of the USA, was that a mistake? What is currently thought about the "KLA"?
J. Rubin (State department spokesman): - … It is indisputable that some acts have been committed by people who were connected in some way with the "KLA", the people we condemned for using military and other force against innocent people, which should be condemned and which in a way could be regarded as acts of terrorism because of the use of force against innocent people for the purpose of achieving political aims.
That is not the same thing as proclaiming as a terrorist organisation an organisation or group of individuals linked up in some way. That is not our opinion about the "KLA". And it never was."