OSCE's Kosovo Mission Head issues statement on Prime Minister's resignation
Head of OSCE Mission Pascal Fieschi (left) and UN Special Representative to the Secretary General, Soren Jessen-Petersen, during last year's elections in Kosova/Kosovo Polje (OSCE/Sven Lindholm) Photo details
PRISTINA, 8 March 2005 - The OSCE Head of Mission, Ambassador Pascal Fieschi, issued the following statement following the resignation of Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, who has decided to step down in light of his indictment by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
"I respect the decision of the Prime Minister because it is in compliance with the rule of law. Mr. Haradinaj has shown energy and dedication in his work, and the type of co-operation he promoted was impressive and productive," said Ambassador Fieschi.
"I also hope that Kosovo, its Government, and its people can overcome the test now placed before it to demonstrate maturity, restraint, and responsibility. This is an important time for the people of Kosovo as the public response will also influence the future of Kosovo."
Ambassador Fieschi also noted that the Prime Minister's message today was forward looking and welcomed the desire to see the continuation of a constructive and co-operative relationship on the Standards process.
He made it clear that the OSCE would continue to work with the people of Kosovo and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) as they progress in their democratic development: "The momentum gained is not dependent on one man, but on the thousands of people that have been elected or appointed at all levels and on the people of Kosovo themselves."
"I respect the decision of the Prime Minister because it is in compliance with the rule of law. Mr. Haradinaj has shown energy and dedication in his work, and the type of co-operation he promoted was impressive and productive," said Ambassador Fieschi.
"I also hope that Kosovo, its Government, and its people can overcome the test now placed before it to demonstrate maturity, restraint, and responsibility. This is an important time for the people of Kosovo as the public response will also influence the future of Kosovo."
Ambassador Fieschi also noted that the Prime Minister's message today was forward looking and welcomed the desire to see the continuation of a constructive and co-operative relationship on the Standards process.
He made it clear that the OSCE would continue to work with the people of Kosovo and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG) as they progress in their democratic development: "The momentum gained is not dependent on one man, but on the thousands of people that have been elected or appointed at all levels and on the people of Kosovo themselves."