PRISTINA, 12 August 2005 - OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut discussed the future role of the OSCE in Kosovo in talks with the international administration, leaders of Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and representatives of the Kosovo Serb community this week.
"The OSCE has seen clear progress achieved in Kosovo over the last six years and the Organization, through our Mission, has helped to build the elements of the institutions that serve all members of society," the Secretary General said on Friday, ending his first visit to South-East Europe since he took up office last month.
This was in line with the assistance and support given to OSCE participating states in upholding the Organization's commitments and principles.
The Secretary General said the OSCE was keen to remain involved in consolidating democratic developments in Kosovo through pro-active monitoring and capacity-building by its Mission. Close contacts will continue between the OSCE and Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and political and civic leaders.
Secretary General de Brichambaut met Prime Minster Bajram Kosumi, the Assembly of Kosovo Presidency and political leaders from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the Serbian List for Kosovo and Metohija (SLKM) and the ORA citizens' initiative.
All expressed their appreciation for the work of the OSCE and looked forward to a continuing partnership.
The Secretary General encouraged dialogue between all political forces and representatives of all communities living in Kosovo as a basis for commitment to democratic processes and institutions.
He visited the OSCE-run Kosovo Police Service School (KPSS), the municipality of Mitrovica and the village of Svinjare/Frasher, where he was briefed on the return of Kosovo Serbs.
Other issues discussed included standards implementation, decentralization and local self-government, reconciliation, the return of internally displaced persons and the future of the KPSS.
Contact
Sven Lindholm
Mission Spokesperson
OSCE Mission in Kosovo
Tel: +381 38 500 162 ext.260
Mob: +377 44 500 254