(15 Feb 2000) English/Nat

The U-S says the recent violence in the Kosovo province of Mitrovica has confirmed their belief that peacekeeping in the region would be difficult.

The State Department says the efforts of the K-FOR troops have been largely successful, despite Sunday's Albanian sniper attack on French troops in Mitrovica.

State Department Spokesman James Rubin also claimed missing Sunday's deadline for a peace accord framework between Israel and the Palestinians would not damage the ultimate goal of a lasting peace in the Middle East.

The United States condemned the latest round of violence in the Kosovo, at the same time saying NATO's presence in the region has created stability.

However, State Department Spokesman James Rubin said that more needed to be done.

Rubin said NATO allies had expected a challenge in keeping the peace in the region.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We have always believed that Kosovo was going to be a difficult enterprise. And while by and large the K-FOR troops throughout Kosovo have been successful in establishing a secure environment in a province just recently riven by war and ethnic strife, there are still problems in Kosovo. And I think the events in Mitrovica demonstrate that quite clearly and clearly more needs to be done to restore stability under these exceptionally dangerous and challenging circumstances."
SUPER CAPTION: James Rubin, State Department Spokesman

On Sunday, Albanian snipers wounded two French soldiers -- actions that brought quick condemnation from NATO's Secretary General and others.

Rubin said the residents of Mitrovica need to remember that it was NATO that put a stop to the ethnic cleansing of Albanians in Kosovo.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Obviously these events are impossible to prevent in every case but we need to impress upon the parties their responsibility to deal with the hatred and the animosities that have built up."
SUPER CAPTION: James Rubin, State Department Spokesman

Rubin also commented on the lapsed deadline for a peace accord framework for Israelis and Palestinians.

He said a missed deadline is not crucial provided the parties don't lose sight of the ultimate goal of a workable peace deal by September 13.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We don't think you can get a concrete agreement, comprehensive agreement, the details of it without a conceptual understanding that would constitute a breakthrough. That is what the framework agreement was always about. So whether it's in a framework agreement or in some other form, we do believe a conceptual understanding is a necessary prerequisite to achieve the September 13 date."
SUPER CAPTION: James Rubin, State Department Spokesman

Rubin also told reporters new U-S security arrangements with Israel were under discussion.

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