OSCE Sec. Gen. warns against consequences of Kosovo independence
PanARMENIAN.Net - September 6, 2007, 12:56 GMT+04:00

“One should not underestimate the consequences of one-sided proclamation of Kosovo independence, which can become a precedent for other problematic regions,” OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut told Handelsblatt German newspaper.

“Some OSCE member states question the expedience of granting one-sided independence to Kosovo. Serbia is among them, of course. The UN is the organization responsible for the resolution of the problem. As to the status issue, the OSCE has taken a neutral stand,” he said.

When asked about the consequences Kosovo’s independence could have for other regions, Georgia for example, the OSCE Sec.Gen. said, “We shouldn’t underrate this fact. Secession of Kosovo could be a very important move with plenty of consequences. Although Kosovo is a specific matter, it could serve as example for other regions. Furthermore, it would complicate our activities, for problems would increase.”

In response to the question “whether the OSCE Secretary General is afraid of repetition of cold war between the West and Russia?” Mr de Brichambaut said, “No. We treat this matter very cautiously. We hold constant talks Russia. Ambassadors from 56 OSCE member states meet in Vienna each week. Besides, we have all tools to solve conflicts. The OSCE has already joined the talks on Russia’s quitting the CFE,” ITAR-TASS reports.

Original URL: http://www.panarmenian.net/news/eng/?nid=23254
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