Chairman-in-Office condemns extremist violence in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

BUCHAREST, 25 May 2001 (OSCE) - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, condemns in the strongest terms the extremist violence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which is endangering civilian lives, and calls for the immediate cessation of all violent acts. "The ethnic Albanian extremists must put down their arms, and all support for them must stop," said the Chairman-in-Office.

"We strongly support the National Unity Government and the process of inter-ethnic dialogue on addressing legitimate concerns. We express hope that the process can move forward urgently in the interest of the citizens of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. We strongly believe that there is only one road to a resolution of the conflict and that there is no military solution to Macedonian problems."

The Chairman-in-Office reiterated his strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and urged the Macedonian government to use only such force that is necessary and proportionate to respond to armed extremists, and to take steps to avoid more civilian casualties.

OSCE stands ready to facilitate a political dialogue, as an agreement on and the implementation of specific reforms as well as the implementation of a cease-fire and a withdrawal of armed extremists in close co-ordination with the EU and NATO.

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