Newsroom
Head of Yugoslavia Mission discussed OSCE involvement in southern Serbia
BELGRADE 12 September 2001
BELGRADE, 12 September 2001 (OSCE) - The Head of the OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Stefano Sannino, travelled to Bujanovac on 10 September to discuss with all parties involved the ongoing activity of the Governmental Co-ordinating Body for southern Serbia, and the OSCE's involvement in additional steps to further stabilize the region.
"The Governmental Co-ordinating Body and its related committees provide the overall framework for continued discussion and co-operation among all interested parties in southern Serbia", said Mr. Sannino after his meetings with members of the Co-ordinating Body and local ethnic Albanian representatives. The Head of the OSCE Mission urged all relevant actors to use this framework for the achievement of their political objectives and to refrain from unilateral actions that give rise to security concerns among the local population. He indicated that "co-operation and involvement of all sides have been the key elements in the restoration of peace in southern Serbia".
"The results of the Multi-Ethnic Police Training Programme are a proof that this approach has worked so far; direct participation of all the communities present in southern Serbia is the best guarantee for speeding up the implementation of all elements of Deputy Prime Minister Covic's plan for the region", he stated. "Even criticism, if voiced in a constructive manner, may contribute to the mutual understanding of different communities in southern Serbia. We are all aware that the process leading to the full reconciliation of the two communities may be difficult and will take time, but there is a need to remain committed to it, showing political wisdom and a sense of leadership".
Mr. Sannino pointed out that one of the main issues that need to be addressed is the issue of political representation at a local level. In this perspective, the holding of local elections in the municipalities of Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja is a crucial element and the OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is ready to lend its full support to all activities of the republican and local authorities aimed at their preparation. He appealed to these authorities to take their responsibility so that progress on this subject will be made in the near future.
--
For more information please contact Stella Ronner, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, tel.: +381 11 367 24 25, mobile: +381 63 315 969; e-mail: [email protected].
"The Governmental Co-ordinating Body and its related committees provide the overall framework for continued discussion and co-operation among all interested parties in southern Serbia", said Mr. Sannino after his meetings with members of the Co-ordinating Body and local ethnic Albanian representatives. The Head of the OSCE Mission urged all relevant actors to use this framework for the achievement of their political objectives and to refrain from unilateral actions that give rise to security concerns among the local population. He indicated that "co-operation and involvement of all sides have been the key elements in the restoration of peace in southern Serbia".
"The results of the Multi-Ethnic Police Training Programme are a proof that this approach has worked so far; direct participation of all the communities present in southern Serbia is the best guarantee for speeding up the implementation of all elements of Deputy Prime Minister Covic's plan for the region", he stated. "Even criticism, if voiced in a constructive manner, may contribute to the mutual understanding of different communities in southern Serbia. We are all aware that the process leading to the full reconciliation of the two communities may be difficult and will take time, but there is a need to remain committed to it, showing political wisdom and a sense of leadership".
Mr. Sannino pointed out that one of the main issues that need to be addressed is the issue of political representation at a local level. In this perspective, the holding of local elections in the municipalities of Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja is a crucial element and the OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is ready to lend its full support to all activities of the republican and local authorities aimed at their preparation. He appealed to these authorities to take their responsibility so that progress on this subject will be made in the near future.
--
For more information please contact Stella Ronner, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, tel.: +381 11 367 24 25, mobile: +381 63 315 969; e-mail: [email protected].