OSCE Chairman strongly condemns violence in Kosovo
OSCE Chairman Passy appealed to all media not to fuel the vicious circle of violence and revenge in Kosovo. "Their role is crucial in this tense period," he said. (OSCE) Photo details
SOFIA, 18 March 2004 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy, condemned the outbreak of violence in Kosovo in which many people were killed or injured.
"I strongly deplore yesterday's and today's violence," he said. "No matter what sparked the cycle of attacks and retribution, nothing can justify this brutality against innocent members of any community in Kosovo. Nor can we tolerate any attacks on the KFOR soldiers and international organization staff who are there to help bring about peace and stability in the province."
"The clashes undermine the multi-ethnic and democratic future of Kosovo," the Chairman-in-Office added. "I hope that cooler heads will prevail and I urge everyone to stay calm."
He reiterated that multi-ethnic dialogue and tolerance are basic prerequisites for stability in Kosovo and for its future prosperity and democratic development.
Minister Passy called for the perpetrators of the violence to be prosecuted.
In a telephone conversation today with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Bajram Rexhepi, the Chairman-in-Office urged him to use his influence to resolve the situation in Kosovo.
The OSCE Chairmanship has also been in contact with the Office of the President of Kosovo, Ibrahim Rugova. It received assurances that the President is actively involved in calming the situation and fully shares the view that violence is in no-one's interest.
"Even in these tragic circumstances, political leaders should look further and call for tolerance and mutual respect amongst communities," said Minister Passy. "I welcome the appeals of Kosovo's political leadership for an end to violence. This should also extend to all elected officials and community leaders, who should show concern for all the people of Kosovo and treat all acts of violence in the same way."
Minister Passy stressed the need for the authorities of Kosovo to fully co-operate with UNMIK, KFOR and the other international organizations present in the province in restoring peace, order and normal life.
The Chairman-in-Office also spoke on the telephone with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Harri Holkeri.
"I also appeal to all media not to fuel the vicious circle of violence and revenge. Their role is crucial in this tense period," said Minister Passy.
The Bulgarian Chairmanship is closely monitoring developments in Kosovo through the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
"I strongly deplore yesterday's and today's violence," he said. "No matter what sparked the cycle of attacks and retribution, nothing can justify this brutality against innocent members of any community in Kosovo. Nor can we tolerate any attacks on the KFOR soldiers and international organization staff who are there to help bring about peace and stability in the province."
"The clashes undermine the multi-ethnic and democratic future of Kosovo," the Chairman-in-Office added. "I hope that cooler heads will prevail and I urge everyone to stay calm."
He reiterated that multi-ethnic dialogue and tolerance are basic prerequisites for stability in Kosovo and for its future prosperity and democratic development.
Minister Passy called for the perpetrators of the violence to be prosecuted.
In a telephone conversation today with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Bajram Rexhepi, the Chairman-in-Office urged him to use his influence to resolve the situation in Kosovo.
The OSCE Chairmanship has also been in contact with the Office of the President of Kosovo, Ibrahim Rugova. It received assurances that the President is actively involved in calming the situation and fully shares the view that violence is in no-one's interest.
"Even in these tragic circumstances, political leaders should look further and call for tolerance and mutual respect amongst communities," said Minister Passy. "I welcome the appeals of Kosovo's political leadership for an end to violence. This should also extend to all elected officials and community leaders, who should show concern for all the people of Kosovo and treat all acts of violence in the same way."
Minister Passy stressed the need for the authorities of Kosovo to fully co-operate with UNMIK, KFOR and the other international organizations present in the province in restoring peace, order and normal life.
The Chairman-in-Office also spoke on the telephone with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Harri Holkeri.
"I also appeal to all media not to fuel the vicious circle of violence and revenge. Their role is crucial in this tense period," said Minister Passy.
The Bulgarian Chairmanship is closely monitoring developments in Kosovo through the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.