OSCE's continued engagement in Kosovo is needed, says Chairman-in-Office

PRISTINA, 6 February 2008 - The OSCE's work should continue for the benefit of all communities in Kosovo, irrespective of status developments, said the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva, in Pristina today.

"I fully support the work of the OSCE Mission here in Kosovo, and I firmly believe the OSCE should remain active in Kosovo," said Minister Kanerva. "The OSCE monitors and assists the work of local authorities to ensure respect for human rights, rule of law and practices of good governance and this important work needs to continue."

"I am proud of all the OSCE has accomplished but there is still much to be done, and our support is still needed. I was happy to note today that my Kosovo interlocutors supported the idea of a continued OSCE presence in Kosovo."

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is the Organization's largest field operation. It has the largest civilian field presence of all international actors in Kosovo.

During his one-day visit to Pristina the Chairman-in-Office met Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, as well as Joachim Ruecker, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.

Minister Kanerva will also visit Finnish KFOR troops before concluding his visit. The Minister was in Belgrade yesterday, where he met Serbian President Boris Tadic, Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic.