OSCE Mission to host conference on implementing Framework Convention on National Minorities

PRISHTINË/PRISTINA, 2 December 2004 - The implementation of the Council of Europe's Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities is the topic of a conference that will be held tomorrow in Prishtinë/Pristina.

It is organized by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

Experts from the Council of Europe will explain to representatives of Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self Government (PISG), political parties representing smaller communities and NGOs, the process of drafting the report as required under article 2.2 of Technical Agreement by UNMiK and the Council of Europe.

UNMiK - together with the PISG - will submit a formal report to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the legislative and other measures that have been taken to give effect to the principles set forth in the Framework Convention.

The report is due to be submitted to the Council of Europe in February 2005.

Media representatives are invited to attend the conference from 9:00 to 17:00 on 3 December, at the OSCE Mission Headquarters (4th floor conference room) in Prishtinë/Pristina.