OSCE Head of Mission condemns attack on Kosovo President
Kosovo's President Ibrahim Rugova (right), meeting the former OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy, 19 October 2004. (OSCE) Photo details
PRISTINA, 15 March 2005 - The OSCE Head of Mission, Ambassador Pascal Fieschi, expressed his shock and dismay at the apparent attack on President Ibrahim Rugova's convoy this morning.
"Such acts of violence, whether they be on President Rugova or any individual person, for any reason, are to be condemned. Violence has no role in a democratic society, but only damages it," said Ambassador Fieschi.
"The OSCE Mission believes that President Rugova will not be discouraged from continuing his work and moving society forward. In fact, this act of violence should impel the people of Kosovo and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) to recommit themselves to the tasks before them."
Ambassador Fieschi also stressed the continued importance of institutional and individual deeds and actions as Kosovo makes great strides forward. "The people of Kosovo should look forward to a future in which violence is not used to convey a message and advance political aims."
"Such acts of violence, whether they be on President Rugova or any individual person, for any reason, are to be condemned. Violence has no role in a democratic society, but only damages it," said Ambassador Fieschi.
"The OSCE Mission believes that President Rugova will not be discouraged from continuing his work and moving society forward. In fact, this act of violence should impel the people of Kosovo and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) to recommit themselves to the tasks before them."
Ambassador Fieschi also stressed the continued importance of institutional and individual deeds and actions as Kosovo makes great strides forward. "The people of Kosovo should look forward to a future in which violence is not used to convey a message and advance political aims."