Chairman-in-Office meets Serbian President to discuss continued OSCE support, field operations

BELGRADE, 5 February 2008 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva met with Serbian President Boris Tadic today. He congratulated the President on Sunday's democratic elections and underscored the OSCE's readiness to continue to support Serbia's reform processes.

"The high turnout and the outcome of the elections this Sunday are a clear sign that the people of Serbia are looking to the future and to the country's rightful place in an integrated Europe," said Minister Kanerva.

"Serbia is critical to the stability and prosperity of the region, and the OSCE stands ready to support the country's efforts to build on its recent democratic achievements."

Minister Kanerva also met Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica and Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic during his visit. The Chairman-in-Office discussed OSCE field operations, in particular the OSCE's work on human rights monitoring and the rule of law for all communities in Kosovo.

"There is still a great need for the OSCE's work in Kosovo for the benefit of all communities, irrespective of status developments. After today's meetings I am more optimistic that we can find a way for the OSCE's continued engagement in Kosovo," said Minister Kanerva.

The Chairman-in-Office will travel to Pristina tomorrow, where he will meet Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, as well as Joachim Ruecker, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. Minister Kanerva will also visit Finnish KFOR troops in Lipljan.