Publications and ReportsKosovo: Lessons From The Crisis
Annex A: Chronology
1997
16 December NATO Foreign Ministers confirm NATOs interest in stability extends beyond Bosnia to the surrounding region, and express concern at escalating ethnic tension in Kosovo.
1998
January-February Escalating number of murders, kidnappings, Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) ambushes on armed Serbian Police patrols (MUP) and heavy handed security force responses.
28 February - 1 March Following attack on Serbian police patrol, security forces launch heavy handed operations in Drenica area leaving up to 30 Kosovars dead.
5 March North Atlantic Council expresses profound concern over violent incidents in Kosovo, in particular Serbian polices brutal suppression of peaceful demonstration in Pristina on 2 March 1998. Condemns the violent repression of non-violent expression of political views as well as terrorist acts to achieve political goals.
5-8 March Serbian Police launch further operations in Drenica killing at least 51 people.
10 March Foreign Secretary makes a statement in the House of Commons condemning Drenica killings.
31 March UN Security Council Resolution 1160, co-sponsored by UK, highlighting the impending humanitarian catastrophe in Kosovo and imposing an arms embargo on Yugoslavia is adopted.
6 May North Atlantic Council commissions advice on options for more active NATO engagement in Albania and Macedonia through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme and options for a NATO military contribution to international and Albanian efforts to monitor the security situation on the Albania/Kosovo border.
28 May NATO Foreign Ministers express concern at situation in Kosovo and deplore continuing violence; state support for a political solution providing an enhanced status for Kosovo, preserving territorial integrity of Yugoslavia and safeguarding human and civil rights of all inhabitants of Kosovo whatever their ethnic origin; and decide to enhance and supplement Partnership for Peace activities in Albania and Macedonia.
11-12 June NATO Defence Ministers direct NATO Military Authorities to assess and develop full range of options for operations that might become necessary to reinforce or facilitate efforts to achieve a solution.
15 June NATO exercise (code name Determined Falcon) takes place over Albania and Macedonia demonstrating NATOs capability to project power rapidly into region. Over 80 aircraft involved, including 4 RAF Jaguar aircraft. All Allies who have air forces participate.
24 June North Atlantic Council commissions contingency planning on a precursor stage of air operations including exercises and surveillance.
17-22 July NATO Partnership for Peace exercise (code name Co-operative Assembly) takes place in Albania.
12 August NATO Secretary General issues statement confirming that North Atlantic Council had reviewed a full range of ground and air options to bring an end to violence and create the conditions for negotiations, and that informal force generation was to begin.
18 August Yugoslav/Serbian authorities claim all of Kosovo now under their control.
23 August - 5 September Yugoslav/Serbian forces launch major offensives in Suva Reka, Lipljan, Stimlje, Malisevo, Glogovac and Prizren areas. Heavy civilian casualties.
24 August UN Security Council President issues statement expressing concern about situation in Kosovo and calling for immediate ceasefire and meaningful political dialogue.
9 September NATO Secretary General, Javier Solana, issues press statement noting that NATO has completed contingency planning for a full range of military measures.
10-18 September NATO Partnership for Peace Exercise in Macedonia (code name Co-operative Best Effort).
21 September Prime Minister addresses UN General Assembly: condemns Belgrades scorched earth tactics and forcible creation of hundreds of thousands of refugees, and underlines international communitys responsibility to prevent, by any means necessary, the looming humanitarian disaster.
23 September UN Security Council adopts UK-drafted Security Council Resolution 1199, highlighting impending humanitarian catastrophe in Kosovo and demanding ceasefire in Kosovo and start of real dialogue.
24 September NATO Defence Ministers informal meeting in Vilamoura, Portugal focuses on crisis in Kosovo. North Atlantic Council approves issuing of Activation Warning order (ACTWARN) for Limited Air Option and Phased Air Operation (code name Operation ALLIED FORCE).
1 October UK convenes urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss Kosovo at which Council members express outrage at events in Kosovo.
8 October KLA declares a ceasefire, but continue attacks against security forces and kidnapping and executing collaborators during October, November and December. North Atlantic Council approves Operation Plan for Phased Air Operations.
12 October Following discussions in Belgrade, US envoy Richard Holbrooke reports agreement in principle with Milosevic on verification missions and political process, but there is not yet a signature.
13 October North Atlantic Council agrees Activation Order (ACTORD) for Phased Air Operation and Limited Air Option, to begin in approximately 96 hours. Holbrooke returns from negotiations with Milosevic in Belgrade to brief North Atlantic Council.
15 October NATO Secretary General, Chairman of NATO Military Committee and NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) meet Milosevic in Belgrade to press him to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1199. SACEUR and Yugoslav Chief of General Staff sign agreement establishing NATO air verification mission over Kosovo (code name OPERATION EAGLE EYE)
16 October Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman in Office, Polish Foreign Minister Geremek, signs agreement with the Yugoslav authorities establishing 2,000-strong Kosovo Verification Mission. NATO extends deadline for Yugoslavia to comply with terms of Holbrooke agreement until 27 October.
17 October A US U2 reconnaissance aircraft makes the first NATO verification flight over Kosovo.
19 October Foreign Secretary announces to Parliament that the UK will initially provide 150 verifiers to Kosovo Verification Mission, rising to 200 or 10% of the mission strength.
20 October SACEUR meets Milosevic in Belgrade, and presses him to comply with the terms of his agreement with Holbrooke.
24 October UN Security Council adopts UK-drafted Security Council Resolution 1203, highlighting impending humanitarian catastrophe, welcoming Holbrooke agreement and setting up of Kosovo Verification Mission, and reiterating demands of Security Council Resolution 1199. Russia & China abstain.
25 October OSCE Permanent Council formally sets up Kosovo Verification Mission. SACEUR and the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee meet Milosevic to deliver message demanding compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1199. Yugoslav & Serbian authorities subsequently issue statement noted by SACEUR and the Chairman of the Military Committee agreeing to reduce force levels to those preceding outbreak of hostilities (February 1998). Withdrawal to be completed by 27 October 1998.
27 October Yugoslavia comes into compliance with Holbrooke agreement, following departure of 4,000 special police from Pristina, but security forces immediately start secretly re-entering Kosovo. North Atlantic Council agrees to keep compliance of the parties under continuous review, to maintain the Activation Order for air strikes and to remain prepared to carry out air strikes should they be required.
4 December North Atlantic Council agrees Activation Order for the Extraction Force (code name Operation JOINT GUARANTOR)
7 December First UK personnel deploy to Macedonia to join the Extraction Force. UK contribution eventually totals some 380 personnel made up of an Infantry Company Group with Warrior armoured infantry fighting vehicles plus support.
14 December Two gunmen attack cafι in Pec killing 6 young Serbs.
17 December NATO Defence Ministers agree that NATO will maintain pressure to ensure compliance. They call on all parties to cease all forms of violence and provocative behaviour, comply with Security Council Resolutions and resolve the crisis through negotiation.
1999
8 January KLA ambushes Serbian Police convoy near Suva Reka and kidnaps 8 Yugoslav Army members at Stari Trg. Members of the Kosovo Verification Mission broker deal leading to release of 8 Yugoslav Army hostages on 13 January and 9 KLA members on 23 January.
10 January Heavy fighting between Serbian Police and KLA in Decane area
15-16 January Massacre at Racak: 45 Kosovo Albanians killed.
16 January Ambassador Walker, Head of the Kosovo Verification Mission, condemns the Racak massacre.
17 January North Atlantic Council issues statement condemning Racak massacre, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice, for Milosevic to comply with his commitments and reaffirms that the Activation Orders for air operations remain in effect. European Union demarche delivered in Belgrade condemns massacre and insists on independent investigation of it.
18 January Yugoslavia refuses to allow Judge Arbour Head of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) to investigate Racak and orders Ambassador Walker to leave Yugoslavia (later rescinded following international pressure). Foreign Secretary makes statement to the House of Commons on Kosovo condemning the massacre at Racak and the continued activity in the area of Yugoslav/Serbian security forces. Calls on both sides to begin meaningful negotiations on the basis of the Contact Group proposals. UN Security Council condemns Racak massacre and calls for an immediate and full investigation including full and complete co-operation with ICTY.
19 January SACEUR and the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee visit Belgrade to press Milosevic on Yugoslav Army compliance and access for ICTY.
20 January NATO decides to increase readiness of assigned forces so air operations could begin within 48 hours of a decision. Defence Secretary announces deployment of 4 additional RAF Harrier GR7s and a tanker aircraft to Italy, bringing UK total to 8 Harrier GR7s and 2 tankers.
28 January NATO issues "solemn warning" to Milosevic and the Kosovo Albanian leadership, noting that NATO is increasing its military preparedness and "stands ready to act". Demands immediate Yugoslav/Serbian compliance with the October agreement, immediate KLA cease-fire and both sides co-operation with the Kosovo Verification Mission and the ICTY.
30 January North Atlantic Council issues statement reaffirming NATO demands. The North Atlantic Council also agrees that the NATO Secretary General may authorise air strikes against targets on Yugoslav territory.
1 February NATO Secretary General confirms that if no agreement is reached by the deadline set by Contact Group, NATO is ready to take whatever measures are necessary to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.
4 February Defence Secretary agrees to put a number of units on standby for possible deployment to Kosovo as contingency measure (4 Armoured Brigade Headquarters, the Lead Armoured Battle Group, artillery, engineering and logistics support, a total of around 8,000 personnel).
6 February a bomb kills 3 in Kosovo Albanian-owned shop in Pristina. The Foreign Secretary and the French Foreign Minister open the peace talks at Rambouillet in France.
14 February Contact Group Foreign Ministers meet in Paris and decide to extend Rambouillet talks until 20 February.
19 February Foreign Secretary arrives in Rambouillet to press parties to conclude agreement. US envoy Chris Hill flies to Belgrade Milosevic refuses to see him.
20 February Contact Group Foreign Ministers meet at Rambouillet and decide to extend the Rambouillet talks until 23 February.
22 February Yugoslav/Serbian forces begin 2 day offensive operation west of Vucitrn resulting in 4,000 Kosovo Albanian villagers fleeing. Defence Secretary confirms to House of Commons deployment of some 2,225 personnel of 4 Armoured Brigade HQ and the Lead Armoured Battle Group to Greece and Macedonia, plus advance party for HQ ARRC.
23 February End of the Rambouillet talks, with neither side signing the Rambouillet Accords, but consensus being reached on substantial autonomy for Kosovo and both sides committing themselves to attend a follow-up conference covering all aspects of implementation.
5 March UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates there are 210,000 displaced people in Kosovo. Foreign Secretary/French Foreign Secretary issue a joint statement which notes follow-up conference scheduled for 15 March and states that those who block successful finalisation of Rambouillet "will be held responsible".
15 March Talks resume at Kleber Centre in Paris. Kosovo Albanian delegation say they accept 23 Feb agreement in its entirety. Yugoslav/Serbian delegation refuses to negotiate. Defence Secretary agrees diversion of HMS SPLENDID (first Royal Navy submarine with Tomahawk Land Attack Missile capability) to Adriatic.
18 March 40,000 Yugoslav Army and Serbian Police troops (one third of total Yugoslav armed forces) and 300 tanks massed in and around Kosovo. Kosovo Albanians sign Rambouillet Accords.
19 March UN High Commissioner for Refugees reports up to 250,000 Displaced People in Kosovo and a further 180,000 in need of assistance. Reports at NATO that major Yugoslav Army and Serbian Police campaign in Kosovo underway. Paris peace talks adjourned. Co-chairs make clear talks will not resume unless Yugoslav/Serbian side accepts Rambouillet Accords, and warn against any Yugoslav/Serbian military offensive on the ground. OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek, announces immediate withdrawal of Kosovo Verification Mission.
20 March Kosovo Verification Mission verifiers complete their withdrawal.
21 March Major Yugoslav/Serbian security forces offensive continues in central Drenica resulting in 25,000 Kosovars fleeing their homes in a 3 day period.
22 March Most of Srbica reportedly burnt to the ground. 15,000 people displaced from Central Drenica region. Foreign Secretary meets US envoy Richard Holbrooke and others in Brussels before Holbrooke flies to Belgrade for last ditch attempt to secure agreement and avoid bombing. Agree that Holbrooke will press Milosevic on compliance on the ground and to accept the Rambouillet accords. NATO Secretary General consults Allies on moving to air operations North Atlantic Council authorises him to decide, subject to further consultations, on a broader range of air operations if necessary. Defence Ministers of France, Italy and UK issue joint statement reaffirming readiness to take whatever measures are necessary to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.
23 March Prime Minister makes statement to the House of Commons confirming UK stands ready with its Allies to take military action. Following consultation with all Allies, NATO Secretary General orders operations to begin.
24 March NATO air strikes begin at 1900 Greenwich Mean Time. Deputy Prime Minister makes statement to the House of Commons confirming the launch of NATO action.
26 March 2 Serb Mig-29 fighter aircraft shot down by NATO aircraft over eastern Bosnia.
27 March US F-117 stealth aircraft downed over Serbia. Pilot rescued safely. Defence Secretary agrees deployment of land-based Close Air Defence assets to Macedonia.
28 March NATO Secretary General directs initiation of broader range of air operations against targets in Yugoslavia to allow NATO commanders to intensify their action. Defence Secretary agrees to commitment of extra 4 RAF Harrier GR7s, 8 Tornado GR1s and 1 VC10 tanker.
29 March Refugees claim that Serb forces are ethnically cleansing Pec. NATO warns Milosevic that he and his military commanders would be held responsible for war crimes committed in Kosovo.
3 April First air strike against target in central Belgrade.
6 April 440,000 refugees reported to have left Kosovo since 29 March. NATO Secretary General issues statement, agreed by North Atlantic Council, in response to Yugoslav offer of a cease fire unilateral cease fire insufficient, as before a halt in the bombing can be considered, Milosevic must meet demands of international community. Defence Secretary agrees to deployment of UK contribution to Headquarters Allied Command Europe Mobile Force (Land) (HQ AMF(L)), including Commander AFOR Lieutenant General John Reith, to command NATO forces conducting humanitarian operations in Albania.
7 April UN Secretary General makes statement to Commission on Human Rights saying: genocide may be happening in Kosovo; universal outrage has been provoked by Serbian vicious and systematic ethnic cleansing; an international norm is emerging against the violent repression of minorities that will and must take precedence over concerns of sovereignty; no government has the right to hide behind national sovereignty to violate human rights.
9 April Statement by UN Secretary General calls on Yugoslav authorities to end immediately the campaign of intimidation and expulsion of the civilian population; to cease all activities of military and paramilitary forces in Kosovo and to withdraw these forces; to accept unconditionally the return of all refugees and displaced persons to their homes; to accept the deployment of an international military force to ensure a secure environment for the return of refugees and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid; to permit the international community to verify compliance with the undertakings above. Defence Secretary agrees to deploy HMS INVINCIBLE Task Group to the Ionian Sea.
12 April Ministerial North Atlantic Council in Brussels issues declaration reaffirming NATO objectives.
13 April North Atlantic Council approves Operational Plan for the NATO force in Albania (AFOR) (code name Operation ALLIED HARBOUR). The Prime Minister announces to the House of Commons the deployment of a second Armoured Battle Group to Macedonia, bringing the total number of UK forces in the region to some 6,300. Defence Secretary agrees deployment of the submarine HMS TURBULENT.
18 April Defence Secretary approves use of RAF C130s for aeromedical evacuation of sick or injured refugees to the UK.
21 April NATO Secretary General announces that NATO is reviewing its planning for ground options.
23-25 April NATO Summit in Washington reaffirms NATO demands.
29 April Defence Secretary announces commitment of 9 additional aircraft to the air operation 4 RAF Harrier GR7s, 4 Tornado GR1s and a Tristar tanker.
1 May US F-16 fighter aircraft downed in north-west Serbia. Pilot recovered safely.
7 May Chinese Embassy in Belgrade hit accidentally by NATO bombs.
13 May Defence Secretary agrees that 2 battalions of light role infantry and a mechanised infantry battalion should begin training in preparation for deployment to Kosovo.
14 May Defence Secretary approves forward basing of Tornado GR1s at Solenzara, Corsica
27 May Announcement by ICTY of indictment of Milosevic and four other senior Yugoslav/Serbian figures for crimes against humanity and violations of the laws and customs of war.
2 June Finnish President Ahtisaari & and Russian envoy Chernomyrdin have meetings with Milosevic in Belgrade. In a speech to US Air Force Academy, Colorado, President Clinton makes clear that US has not ruled out options beyond bombing to bring about a resolution.
3 June Milosevic agrees to Contact Group document presented by Ahtisaari and Chernomyrdin.
4 June Defence Secretary agrees to reduce the notice to move of 3 infantry battalions and the early deployment of some elements of those units to Macedonia. The Defence Secretary also agrees to the deployment of RAF Helicopters to Macedonia.
5 June Talks on Military Technical Agreement begin on Kosovo/Macedonia border.
9 June Signature of Military Technical Agreement by Lieutenant General Sir Mike Jackson (Commander of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR)), Col Gen Marjanovic (Yugoslav Army Chief of the General Staff) and Lt Gen Stevanovic (Serbian Police), providing for withdrawal of Yugoslav/Serbian forces from Kosovo.
10 June Yugoslav/Serbian forces begin to withdraw from Kosovo. NATO Secretary General announces bombing campaign has been suspended. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 adopted.
11 June Russian troops arrive in Pristina and occupy airport.
12 June KFOR troops enter Kosovo.
20 June All Yugoslav/Serbian forces clear of Kosovo. NATO formally terminates air operation.
21 June Military Technical Agreement signed by KLA requiring them to demilitarise within 90 days.
