Chairman-in-Office condemns brutal attack on OSCE personnel in Kosovo

BUCHAREST, 30 January 2001 -The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, strongly condemns the attack yesterday on OSCE personnel in Kosovo. Six OSCE local staff members were dragged out of their car by a crowd. One OSCE staff member was beaten and badly injured. It was only after the intervention of KFOR troops that the OSCE personnel could be brought to safety.

"I am shocked by this brutal assault on OSCE personnel in a clearly marked OSCE vehicle, which is unprecedented in the history of the Organization," said Mr Geoana. "OSCE personnel are working under difficult circumstances to help Kosovo and its people to overcome the consequences of cruel policies and a vicious war. To attack them is to attack the very process of healing society in Kosovo. Such an attack can under no circumstances be justified by any past grievances," added the Chairman-in-Office.

He also expressed his deep concern about the tense situation in the area of Mitrovice/Kosovska Mitrovica, where yesterday's attack took place. Two persons have been killed and several wounded in an upsurge of violence over the last few days.

For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org