Acting Head of OSCE Mission to Serbia regrets lack of compromise over controversial monument

BELGRADE, 20 January 2013 -- The Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Paula Thiede, expressed regret that the negotiations to find a compromise solution to the controversial monument in Preševo was undercut by the government’s removal of the monument this morning. 

“I understand that a mutually acceptable decision was within reach. The negotiations should have been pursued to find a solution that would respect the wishes of both communities," said Thiede.  “I appeal for calm and an atmosphere in which dialogue could be restored.”