Violence condemned in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

SKOPJE, 2 May 2001 - The following statement regarding the recent violence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was issued today by Ambassador Robert Frowick, the Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

"Mob violence by reportedly Macedonian extremists in Vinica, Bitola and Skopje which has resulted in extensive damage to property owned by ethnic Albanian citizens must be condemned. Fortunately, no human lives were lost.

"Such violent retribution, in response to the tragedy of terrorism that took the lives of Macedonian security troops on 28 April, seriously exacerbates an already volatile situation.

"Neither guerilla extremism nor civilian vigilante extremism will resolve the current situation in Macedonia.

"The only way to overcome the situation effectively is through intensification of a realistic political dialogue."

For further information, contact the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Makosped Building, Marsal Tito St. 19-1, MK-1000 Skopje, tel.: (+389-2) 130-246; Fax: (+389-2) 111-267; e-mail: foleyd@unet.com.mk