18 March 2004
U.S. Deeply Concerned about Violence in Kosovo
March 18, Vienna: Douglas Davidson to OSCE Permanent Council
"The United States is deeply concerned about the recent incidents of serious violence in Kosovo," U.S. diplomat Douglas Davidson told the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna March 18. "We urge all of Kosovo's citizens to restore calm and to cease disruptive and violent actions."
Following is the text of Davidson's statement:
(begin text)
United States Mission to the OSCE
Vienna
March 18, 2004
US STATEMENT ON KOSOVO
As delivered by Deputy Representative Douglas Davidson to the OSCE Permanent Council
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The United States is deeply concerned about the recent incidents of serious violence in Kosovo, which involved clashes between the Albanian and Serb communities that resulted in death and injuries. We urge all of Kosovo's citizens to restore calm and to cease disruptive and violent actions.
We also urge all sides to respect the authority of the Kosovo Force (KFOR), the international police, and the Kosovo Police Service and to uphold the rule of law.
In addition, we call on Kosovo's political leaders to use their influence to appeal to their constituents to refrain from violence and to express their views through peaceful means. The United States also urges regional leaders and media outlets to react responsibly, to report accurately, and to support restoration of order and reconciliation in Kosovo.
The United States expresses it condolences to the families of those who were killed or wounded in Kosovo, including the KFOR troops.
In the wake of these tragic events, the United States urges the people of Kosovo to put an end to the violence and to move ahead peacefully with the process of democratization and reconciliation.
Thank you.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
