No state, no organisation, no citizen can shut his or her eyes to the horrendous sufferings of a people who are fighting for their rights. Torture, arbitrary arrests, disappearances, mass graves and every form of violence must stop immediately.

International solidarity is crucial to prepare the way for negotiations, allowing the parties to the conflict to find, without losing face, basic agreements suitable for assuring a lasting peace guaranteeing prosperity for all peoples.

On several occasions Switzerland has declared that it is willing to offer its good offices, if desired. The more governments there are, which are ready to support a political initiative, the more the chances for peace increase.

It is in the interest of every nation that fundamental rights are respected without exception, otherwise these fundamental rights risk losing their value and their meaning.

Women and children are the most vulnerable victims in conflicts which should be resolved by political means and not by arms. It is vital to ensure sufficient humanitarian aid for the civilian population, and to guarantee access for aid workers to reach the affected areas. This involves basic implementation of international agreements.

Every state is urged to work together in practical ways, to allow the opening up of negotiations, the aim being to get out of the spiral of violence.

Switzerland should give refugees the security vital in order to build a future true to democratic principles, by considering each person requesting protection in this country not only as a victim but also as a citizen called to contribute towards the future of his or her country.

Oberwil / Geneva, 9.8.99
(English text translated from the original French text)