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Conflict resolution project creates a way forward in Kosovo
PRISTINA 20 February 2001
PRISTINA, 20 February 2001 - Despite recent violence in Kosovo, the OSCE remains committed to the coexistence of all ethnic communities and their working together towards reconciliation.
An example of this is a workshop on Inter-ethnic Dialogue and Conflict Resolution, held in Florence, Italy, from 2-11 February 2001. The 28 participants were local NGO activists and OSCE local staff, representing Albanian, Serbian, Bosniak, Roma and Gorani ethnic communities, coming from Kosovo and Serbia proper. This was the third in a series of workshops organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and Campagna Kossovo, a consortium of Italian NGOs based in Florence.
The workshop was the culmination of the project, Training for Trainers on Inter-ethnic Dialogue and Reconciliation which took place in Prishtinë/Pristina (May 2000) and Ohrid, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (September 2000). During the previous two sessions the different groups were introduced to the basic principles of understanding conflict, and non-violent methods of conflict resolution. This last session in Florence brought the participants from these two sessions together, forming a true and unique platform for inter-ethnic dialogue.
The workshop focused on the process of dialogue between ethnic communities and the process of dealing with conflict by non-violent means. Participants engaged in discussions on the possible solutions and models of shaping the future of Kosovo. Sessions used interactive methods of education that aimed to strengthen people's capacities to deal with situations of oppression and conflict. The training was highly successful, the participants, who are trainers and facilitators, learned practical ways to utilise dialogue in dealing with conflict.
This project has also led to the beginning of an effective network among civil society members and representatives of the different communities. A first step in the process of reconciliation will be implementing the concrete measures of what has been learned by all the participants into their working and living environment.
For further information, contact OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena, tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260 / mobile: +377 (044) 500-150 / e-mail: [email protected], //www.osce.org/kosovo/
An example of this is a workshop on Inter-ethnic Dialogue and Conflict Resolution, held in Florence, Italy, from 2-11 February 2001. The 28 participants were local NGO activists and OSCE local staff, representing Albanian, Serbian, Bosniak, Roma and Gorani ethnic communities, coming from Kosovo and Serbia proper. This was the third in a series of workshops organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and Campagna Kossovo, a consortium of Italian NGOs based in Florence.
The workshop was the culmination of the project, Training for Trainers on Inter-ethnic Dialogue and Reconciliation which took place in Prishtinë/Pristina (May 2000) and Ohrid, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (September 2000). During the previous two sessions the different groups were introduced to the basic principles of understanding conflict, and non-violent methods of conflict resolution. This last session in Florence brought the participants from these two sessions together, forming a true and unique platform for inter-ethnic dialogue.
The workshop focused on the process of dialogue between ethnic communities and the process of dealing with conflict by non-violent means. Participants engaged in discussions on the possible solutions and models of shaping the future of Kosovo. Sessions used interactive methods of education that aimed to strengthen people's capacities to deal with situations of oppression and conflict. The training was highly successful, the participants, who are trainers and facilitators, learned practical ways to utilise dialogue in dealing with conflict.
This project has also led to the beginning of an effective network among civil society members and representatives of the different communities. A first step in the process of reconciliation will be implementing the concrete measures of what has been learned by all the participants into their working and living environment.
For further information, contact OSCE Spokesperson Claire Trevena, tel: (+381-38) 500-162 ext. 260 / mobile: +377 (044) 500-150 / e-mail: [email protected], //www.osce.org/kosovo/