OSCE Mission Head in Skopje concerned about future of Tetovo University

SKOPJE, 26 September 2003 - On Friday, the head of the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje, Craig Jenness, issued a joint statement with the European Union Special Representative, Alexis Brouhns, the United States Ambassador Lawrence Butler, and the NATO Ambassador, Nicolaas Biegman. It said:

"We are deeply concerned about recent attempts to once again manipulate the fate of Tetovo University and its students. We fully support the recent government efforts to regulate the status of this University. We fully oppose the current attempt by elements known to be opposed to progress and the Ohrid Framework Agreement to hinder this process.

"The issue of ownership of the tobacco factory is a long-standing legal dispute to be resolved by the courts. Therefore work being done on the site must immediately halt and the premises must remain vacant, and the site must be secured by the proper legal authorities.

"We strongly encourage all leaders and students of the Tetovo University to clearly distance themselves from those who obviously care less about education than about their own personal interests. Students and faculty must refrain from any change of premises, pending decisions of the appropriate bodies, including the Ministry of Education.

"Our recognition and support for the University depends on its full compliance with the law and the principles of academic freedom. We strongly encourage University representatives and students to assist in this compliance, and to resist any manipulation that would hamper the regulation of the University's status. The selfish financial interests of a few should not be allowed to prevail over the right of so many students to a better education."