OSCE Chairman says inclusive dialogue key to Kosovo's development

PRISTINA, 25 March 2005 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, welcomed the formation of a new Provisional Government in Kosovo, urging all parties to continue working together to build on progress already achieved.

During his second trip to Pristina since taking on the OSCE Chairmanship in January, he called on the administration of Prime Minster Bajram Kosumi to commit itself to full responsibility for stability and the Standards process in building a multi-ethnic Kosovo. He stressed that this was not a time to burn bridges, but to work together to ensure a European future for the Balkan region.

"It is important for the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to make progress on Standards based on a commitment to building a multi-ethnic Kosovo," the Chairman-in-Office said.

"The long term stability of Kosovo depends on its ability to integrate and protect minorities. This is a non-negotiable standard. It is not based on political considerations, but is a goal that must be strived for irrespective of status talks."

Minister Rupel held talks with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Soren Jessen-Petersen, the President of Kosovo, Ibrahim Rugova, Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi, the President of the Assembly of Kosovo, Nexhat Daci, and Hashim Thaci, President of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK).

The Chairman-in-Office said that the fact that there had been a peaceful and smooth transition in the Government was a sign that events were moving in the right direction. He also saw the formation of an opposition "shadow government" as a further important step which will help in the work of daily governance, dialogue and future status discussions.

At an important time for Kosovo, he urged its political leaders to work on the principle of inclusion.

"Kosovo itself has found a good solution. Open dialogue between political forces will lead to a constructive working relationship between the Prime Minister with the shadow government in the Assembly," he said.

"The all-inclusive political process, which must include Kosovo Serbs, will also present a united front for important key events, including dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade and the start of future status talks."

The Chairman-in-Office pledged the Organization's continued support for strengthening democracy and the rule of law in Kosovo, where the OSCE has its largest field presence and is a pillar of the United Nations Interim Administration.

"The OSCE remains committed, but movement towards future status talks will depend on the review of Standards," he said. "The Kosovo Government should work to fulfil the Standards, particularly the protection of minorities."