OSCE Minorities Commissioner urges Kosovo's authorities to reach out to all communities

PRISHTINE/PRISTINA, 15 January 2008 - The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Knut Vollebaek today urged all of Kosovo's communities to work towards reconciliation and called upon Kosovo's newly-formed government to reach across the ethnic divide to ensure that minority rights are vigorously protected.

Ambassador Vollebaek is completing a five-day visit to Kosovo today. He met with Kosovo's provisional authorities, including President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, minority community leaders and international actors. The High Commissioner also visited several Kosovo Serb enclaves as well as Roma neighbourhoods.

"The uncertainty surrounding Kosovo's status has caused anxiety for everyone in Kosovo. Nonetheless, Kosovo Serbs and the many other smaller communities are particularly impacted by this anxiety," said Ambassador Vollebaek. Noting that his mandate does not address the issue of Kosovo's political status, the High Commissioner emphasized that improved inter-ethnic relations were essential if Kosovo is to have a peaceful and prosperous future.

He added: "A successful society can only be built on the basis of mutual trust and understanding. This is a message that must be understood regardless of any political status. This is why I encouraged all of those I have met in Kosovo to work harder to confront the past and pave the way for the future."

In his meetings with the authorities, Ambassador Vollebaek reiterated that full implementation of Kosovo's legal framework for minorities is critical for Kosovo's communities to feel more secure about their future and role in Kosovo society.

"I am encouraged by the commitments made by the authorities, who assured me that the rights of all of Kosovo's communities will be complied with. The test of this will be at the local level, where property rights, access to services and inter-ethnic communication are key challenges. The Prime Minister and President are aware of this and understand that these problems must be addressed immediately," he said.

The High Commissioner also discussed the role and future involvement of the international community in Kosovo: "Kosovo's authorities recognize that a strong international presence is needed in order to help Kosovo build a multi-ethnic society that is grounded in rights for everyone. I expect that the international community, including the OSCE, will be resolute in confronting this difficult task."