OSCE Mission to Skopje regrets loss of lives in Gostivar, calls for calm

SKOPJE, 1 March 2012 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Ralf Breth expressed today his regret over the loss of human lives in a tragic incident that took place on 28 February in Gostivar and conveyed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

On Tuesday, as a result of a shooting, two people died in Gostivar, a town in the northwest of the country. The incident was followed by street protests.

“I trust that the authorities will fully investigate this fatal incident and that justice will be done,” Breth said. “I appeal to the local authorities, political parties and civil society not to misuse this tragic incident, but instead work together to contribute to the calming down of tensions between the communities.”

He stressed that timeliness and transparency of investigation, as well as the co-operation between all citizens of Gostivar and other local stakeholders will be essential.