OSCE Chairman-in-Office calls on all sides to compromise on future status of Kosovo

BELGRADE, 14 October 2005 -- The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, today called on authorities in both Belgrade and Pristina to be ready for compromise in the imminent negotiations on the future status of Kosovo.

"We are all looking for a compromise solution, one that will be conducive to the future stability of the region," said Minister Rupel. The Chairman-in-Office was speaking at a press conference in Belgrade together with Serbia and Montenegro's Foreign Minister, Vuk Draskovic.

Minister Rupel confirmed that the OSCE would continue to play an important role in the protection of human rights in Kosovo: "The OSCE has people on the ground and is ready to assist in ensuring that both human and minority rights are protected".

The talks on the future status of Kosovo were just one of a series of positive developments in the region, Foreign Minister Rupel stated, adding that the European Union's decisions to start accession talks with Croatia and negotiations on a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Serbia and Montenegro were clear signs of the region's steady progress.

"The final aim of this process is a whole and free Europe," he declared.

Rupel also met Serbia's Prime Minister, Vojislav Kostunica, and the Head of the Co-ordination Centre for Kosovo and Metohija, Sanda Raskovic-Ivic.

He immediately travelled on to Pristina, where he is due to meet key local leaders and representatives of the international community.