We need clear rules stipulating when the world community may lawfully intervene to stop large-scale atrocities.

The two leaders threatened Serbia with complete isolation from the international community unless it immediately stops atrocities against Moslem and Croat women and children.

When Bill Clinton called for meaningful action to stop such Serbian atrocities, the Bush campaign denounced him as "reckless."

He told reporters: 'You cannot stop aggression, stop atrocities, by appeals only.'

There is, as well, a link between the idea of stopping atrocities and preserving the general peace, another key goal for the United Nations.

The police force should be large enough for it to be a visible presence, so that people can believe that it is in a position to stop atrocities.

However, it has yet to take concrete steps to stop atrocities, or bring their perpetrators to justice.

His call to consider using ground forces to stop Serbian atrocities contrasted with other candidates' timidity and the Congressional Republicans' anemic response to the crisis.

But Dabi did hold positions related to the Darfur, where he was criticised for obfuscating international efforts to stop atrocities.