OSCE calls on parties in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to put aside their differences

VIENNA, 21 June 2001 (OSCE) - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, today appealed to all parties in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to put aside their differences and make a real effort to compromise.

"This weekend is decisive. The news that the political process has collapsed is deeply worrying," he said. "There is a real chance here for lasting peace and security which preserves the territorial integrity of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and which addresses the concerns of the ethnic Albanian community. I appeal to all concerned. You have the support of the international community, politically and in practical ways for a peaceful and political solution. Do not miss this chance."

In his address today to the Permanent Council of the OSCE in Vienna, Mr. Geoana delivered a mid-term review of the Romanian OSCE Chairmanship, highlighting areas of concern and pointing the way toward the future. On the situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, he warned that the consequences of continued instability there would bear on the whole region. He reiterated that the OSCE, together with its partners in the international community, was prepared to offer its capabilities and skills to the people and the Government, utilizing its considerable experience on the ground. He specifically mentioned the efforts of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities to bring about inter-ethnic reconciliation through measures to improve the situation of the ethnic Albanian community.

As the second most serious short-term challenge, Mr. Geoana listed the preparation for the elections in Kosovo (FRY). He stressed the fact that elections would go ahead in November, despite the current problems regarding the registration of Kosovo Serbs, the return of refugees and displaced persons, and security concerns:

"The OSCE has a crucial role in organizing and observing the elections and to continue with our important programmes on police training and building a professional public service sector. I would urge OSCE participating States to redouble their efforts in providing the necessary resources to accomplish this."

Among immediate concerns, Mr. Geoana mentioned specific threats to stability and security in the OSCE area, such as illegal trafficking across international borders. In this context, he saw a clear need to strengthen border services without hampering legal trade and the free movement of people. He stressed that the OSCE should be able to offer more to participating States facing difficult situations. A concrete example was the repercussions of the conflict in Afghanistan on the stability and security of the Central Asian States.

Mr. Geoana mentioned two significant steps taken by the OSCE during the first half of this year. The first one was the opening of the OSCE Mission in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in March. He pointed out that the OSCE's role in establishing a multi-ethnic policing programme was crucial to the implementation of confidence building measures agreed for Southern Serbia. Also, he saw the co-operation between the OSCE and other international organizations active in FRY as a model for the way in which the international community can work together and in partnership with an OSCE State for the benefit of the citizens of that State.

The second significant accomplishment was the return of the OSCE Assistance Group to Chechnya (RF), which took place last week:

"As I said on my visit to Znamenskoye last Friday, an important step has been taken and we are grateful to the Russian Federation for their co-operation. But the real difficulties still lie ahead: building up the confidence of the population and carrying out our mandate. The situation in Chechnya is one of the most complex challenges facing us."

In his address today, Mr. Geoana specifically wanted to highlight regional co-operation as the means to approaching and solving problems. He mentioned the Stability Pact for South East Europe as the most recent example of successful co-operation with international support. He proposed a more active role for the OSCE as the organization under whose auspices the Pact operated, and he offered support, through OSCE Institutions and Missions, in the identification of the highest priorities with the strongest regional impact. He also gave his vision of a broader implementation of the regional approach:

"Access to equal opportunity, social justice and prosperity should become a common rule of action for all regions in the OSCE, not merely those which are dominating world attention and media headlines. I should like to see the same opportunities open to other regions in the OSCE area."

Finally, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office strongly commended the efforts of OSCE Missions and field activities:

"I continue to be impressed by the dedication and energy of our field personnel. They know better than any of us the conditions on the ground. Their activities and projects have a real impact on the daily lives of those they come into contact with. They represent the real success story of the OSCE. They deserve the thanks and appreciation of all of us."

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For further information, please contact Josue Anselmo, OSCE Spokesperson, mobile (+43) 664 325 3698, or the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180, or e-mail: info@osce.org