Communique issued on 25 March 1999 by the Rio Group
The countries members of the Rio Group express their anxiety about the commencement of air strikes by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization against Serbian military targets and, in particular, their concern that no peaceful means of solving, in conformity with international law, the exibting dispute among the various patties to the conflict in Kosovo has been found.
The Rio Group therefore calls on all parties to resume, as soon as possible, talks with a view to achieving a comprehensive and final settlement with a view to re-establishing a stable and lasting peace based on respect for the human rights of all ethnic groups and minorities in the region, and on the territorial integrity of States..
The Rio Group also regrets the recourse to the use of force in the Balkan region in contravention of the provisions of Article 53, paragraph 1, and Article 54 of the Charter of the United Nations, which state 11 ... no enforcement action shall be taken under regional arrangements or by regional agencies without the authorization of the Security Council" and "the Security Council shall at all times be kept fully informed of activities undertaken or in contemplation under regional arrangements or by regional agencies for the maintenance of international peace and security".
Basic Information on the Rio Group
Permanent Mechanism for Consultation and Concerted Political Action
in Latin America (Rio Group)
in Latin America (Rio Group)
1) The Rio Group was established in the 80's to mainly examine international issues of particular interest to the members and to coordinate common positions.on these issues.
2) The members of the Group are: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, as well as one representative from Central America (currently Guatemala) and one representative from the Caribbean countries (currently Guyana).
3) Mexico is the Coordinator of the Rio Group for 1999.
