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Statement by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on the situation in Kosovo
VIENNA 4 February 2000
VIENNA, 4 February 2000 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, is appalled by the escalating violence in Kosovo and especially in and around Mitrovica, which has resulted in the death of at least 4 people and has left many more injured.
Meeting violence with violence does not contribute to resolving the serious difficulties of the ethnic tensions still prevailing in Kosovo. Political solutions to the underlying problems can only be found when a minimum standard of dialogue is maintained and non-violent co-existence is adhered to by the communities.
The international military and civil presence, including the OSCE will do their utmost to create conditions, which are favourable to this development. However, this can not be done in isolation, it requires the support of the people of all ethnic backgrounds.
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office calls on the population in Mitrovica not to condone the violence, to show restraint and to assist the authorities in their effort. Instigators and perpetrators must be brought to justice.
Meeting violence with violence does not contribute to resolving the serious difficulties of the ethnic tensions still prevailing in Kosovo. Political solutions to the underlying problems can only be found when a minimum standard of dialogue is maintained and non-violent co-existence is adhered to by the communities.
The international military and civil presence, including the OSCE will do their utmost to create conditions, which are favourable to this development. However, this can not be done in isolation, it requires the support of the people of all ethnic backgrounds.
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office calls on the population in Mitrovica not to condone the violence, to show restraint and to assist the authorities in their effort. Instigators and perpetrators must be brought to justice.