Chairman-in-Office firmly condemns the terrorist attacks in Kosovo

BUCHAREST, 20 April 2001 - Romanian Foreign Minister, Mircea Geoana, the Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, has firmly condemned the latest terrorist attacks in Kosovo, while urging the international community to remain determined in its quest to build a multi-ethnic society.

A bomb explosion in the centre of Pristina and a shooting at one of Organization's field offices on Wednesday have raised the level of tension in the province.

"Bombs and shootings will neither intimidate nor prevent us from continuing our important work in rebuilding this shattered province for all those who desire to live in peace. I call to all political leaders in the province to firmly condemn the extremism and terrorism and to prove the necessary restraint in order not to escalate the violence and tension," stated the Head of the Organization.

"The OSCE has been working diligently, along with its partners under the umbrella of the United Nations to rebuild Kosovo's multi-ethnic civil society, by establishing new democratic structures and restoring respect for the police and the judiciary," said the OSCE Chairman in Office.

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