OSCE Chairman-in-Office condemns murder of OSCE employee in Albania

OSLO, 11 June 1999 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek, condemns the murders yesterday of OSCE local staff member, Mr. Hazir Kuca, and an Albanian communications official travelling with him. One other OSCE staff member was injured in the attack, as was a policeman who bravely worked to protect the OSCE team. The group was on a mission for the OSCE in the Tropoje district of Northern Albania when they were attacked by what is assumed was a gang of criminals.

Foreign Minister Vollebaek expresses his deep condolences to the families of the two who were murdered.

Mr. Vollebaek said that this attack illustrates the need for urgent measures to strengthen the security situation in Albania. Crime and corruption constitute the greatest obstacle to stability and reform in the country. Alleviating this situation must be a priority for both Albanian authorities and the international community.