Statement by OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Severin on former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Kosovo

COPENHAGEN, 23 March 2001 - After a four-day visit to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and to Kosovo Mr. Adrian Severin, President of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly, made the following statement:

1. 
   
   The international community and its institutions are present in some countries of South-eastern Europe in order to contribute to the construction of modern state and administrative institutions. This means building up civic institutions for multi-ethnic societies, to promote democracy, prosperity, human rights and the rule of law. This international aid and solidarity must not be offered to those who may use it to promote policies of hatred and confrontation, or who use violence to promote their goals. As long as the political and democratic process is in place and the international community is present there are no excuses for violence.
2. The legal authorities in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Presevo and Kosovo must act to restore peace and security. At the same time they must refrain from such action which might aggravate relations between different sections of society. I urge all sectors of the Macedonian society to co-operate peacefully and to pursue constructive dialogue to build inter-ethnic confidence.
3. The future regional elections in Kosovo will be an important event in the construction of stability in Kosovo and in the region. The elections must take place in a clear legal framework and be a multi-ethnic event. They are needed for the construction of a multi-ethnic civic society. I appeal to all communities in Kosovo, to the Albanians and Serbs in particular, to participate constructively in the electoral process.

For further information please contact, Mr. Jan Jooren, Press Counsellor of the OSCE PA, tel + 45 33 37 80 36, Fax + 45 33 37 80 30, e-mail: jan@oscepa.dk.