OSCE Chairman issues statement on Kosovo's independence declaration

HELSINKI, 18 February 2008 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, issued the following statement today:

"The authorities in Pristina declared the independence of Kosovo on Sunday. The situation in Kosovo is to be discussed by the 56 OSCE participating States, but each of them will address Kosovo's declaration of independence in their national capacity.

The OSCE is a unique forum for security dialogue in its region, enabling all its participating States to raise and discuss concerns. The fact that Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic plans to speak at the Organization's Permanent Council tomorrow (Tuesday 19 February) underscores this role.

The new situation may have an impact on the OSCE's engagement in Kosovo. We should keep in mind that it is the sole international actor with a comprehensive civilian field presence in Kosovo, and it has an impressive record of co-operation with other international actors.

The OSCE is uniquely placed to work with all communities in promoting stability and democratic development and its contribution is very much needed also now. I call on the participating States and the international community to help ensure that the Organization will continue its valuable work in Kosovo for the benefit of all its inhabitants.

Like other leaders in the international community, I call on all those involved in Kosovo and the region to remain calm and refrain from provocations and acts of violence."