Vienna, 4 February 2000 -- The OSCE
Chair-in-Office, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, is appalled
by the escalating violence in Kosovo and especially in and around Mitrovica,
which has resulted in the death of at least 4 people and has left many
more injured.
Meeting violence with violence does
not contribute to resolving the serious difficulties of the ethnic tensions
still prevailing in Kosovo. Political solutions to the underlying problems
can only be found when a minimum standard of dialogue is maintained and
non-violent co-existence is adhered to by the communities.
The international military and civil presence, including the OSCE will do their utmost to create conditions, which are favourable to this development. However, this can not be done in isolation, it requires the support of the people of all ethnic backgrounds.
The OSCE Chairwoman-in-Office calls on the population in Mitrovica not to condone the violence, to show restraint and to assist the authorities in their effort. Instigators and perpetrators must be brought to justice.
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