OSCE Chairman meets UN Special Envoy for Kosovo, says Organization keen to stay

MADRID, 9 January 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, met the United Nations Special Envoy for Kosovo, Martti Ahtisaari, today and told him the Organization intended to remain active in Kosovo after its final status is approved.

The two discussed the present and future of Kosovo based on the view that the stability of the region is an essential factor to maintain security in the Balkans and Europe.

"As Spain holds the OSCE Chairmanship this year, it is following any event affecting Kosovo with great interest, while reiterating the need for the European values of tolerance, respect and inter-ethnic coexistence to be defended and promoted," said Minister Moratinos.

"The Mission in Kosovo is OSCE's largest field operation and the Organization intends to maintain its commitment to Kosovo following the approval of the final status for Kosovo."

Spain is particularly keen that conditions are established to launch a new OSCE mission in Kosovo following the approval of the final status, the Chairman-in-Office said. Co-ordination mechanisms with other Organizations needed to be identified in the field, and the functions of the OSCE Mission defined. He said the OSCE should maintain its role concerning the rule of law -- police and justice as well as monitoring and capacity building.

Minister Moratinos said he would continue to work with the Special Envoy and with the German presidency of the EU in the efforts being made in Kosovo. The deployment of some 500 Spanish troops in Kosovo was evidence of this willingness, he said.

The Chairman-in-Office emphasized to Mr Ahtisaari that he was convinced it was important the solution reached for Kosovo was the result of positions agreed and accepted by all parties.