OSCE committed to engage in Kosovo, says Chairman-in-Office

PRISTINA, 27 February 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, said today the Organization was committed to play an active role in Kosovo in the long run.

"The OSCE is committed to engage in Kosovo in the long run, irrespective of the content and timing of the final status settlement," said Minister Moratinos.

"Our Mission in Kosovo can have a key future role in monitoring and supporting the status implementation with a focus on decentralization, community rights and cultural and religious heritage."

The OSCE has remained neutral in the status discussions but supports the process led by United Nations Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari. The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is the largest of the Organization's 19 field missions.

During his visit to Pristina, the OSCE Chairman met President Fatmir Sejdiu, members of the Kosovo Negotiating Team, representatives of the international community, and Kosovo Serb representatives, as well as members of other non-Albanian communities.

Minister Moratinos called on all sides involved to actively and constructively engage in consultations on Special Envoy Ahtisaari's proposal, and pointed to potential benefits that the draft Status Document offers to all communities.

"It is vital that at this crucial moment all people living in Kosovo show political unity and patience. I also call on all communities to abstain from any forms of violence. Any unilateral actions should also be avoided," he added.