The head of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Javier Ruperez, has called for the deployment of a force on the border between Kosovo and Albania and for greater international pressure on Yugoslav leaders.

Sir John Weston: "We cannot allow President Milosevic to impose a military solution" (0'09")

British and American officials are reported to be working on a resolution for submission to the United Nations.

The British Ambassador to the UN, Sir John Weston, said the UN Security Council would be "actively seized of the subject in the next few days."

The options under discussion include further economic sanctions against Yugoslavia and the deployment of Nato troops to prevent the crisis spilling into neighbouring countries.

However, correspondents say that any resolution authorising the use of force against Yugoslavia is likely to be opposed by Russia.

Pope appeals for peace

Pope John Paul said the world could not stay inert before the violence in Kosovo.

Thousands seek refuge across the border

"The world cannot stay inert before the violence, repression and fleeing of the population in Kosovo. These are episodes which recall the Balkans recent tragic history," the Pope said during his weekly address to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square.

"The search for negotiated and peaceful solutions requires patience and boldness.

"We pray to God to illuminate the disputing parties so they may embark upon the path towards dialogue, which is longer but effective for everyone," the Pope added.

More than 200 killed

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has said he is deeply disturbed by what he called atrocities committed by Serb military and paramilitary forces against unarmed civilians in the Serb province.

The Security Council has called for humanitarian organisations to be given immediate and unimpeded access to all parts of Kosovo.

Nato defence ministers and the international Contact Group are set to meet next week to decide what action to take.

More than 200 people are reported to have been killed in Kosovo over the past three months in an offensive by Yugoslav security forces against the Kosovo Liberation Army.

At least 17,000 people have fled to Albania and Montenegro to escape the fighting, and many who have fled their villages are believed to have taken refuge in the mountains inside Kosovo.