UNMIK/PR/1029
Thursday, 4 September 2003

SRSG Harri Holkeri Meets Contact Group and Russian Foreign Minister in Moscow

PRISTINA - SRSG Harri Holkeri met the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs Igor Ivanov and the Contact Group in Moscow today.

Speaking to the media after his meetings, SRSG Holkeri said that he had a “substantial exchange of views with Mr. Ivanov” and that he was “very satisfied with the meeting. Russia supports UNMIK in its implementation of 1244.”

Mr. Holkeri said that he had “fruitful discussions with the Contact Group. These discussions concentrated on the security situation in Kosovo and in particular on violence involving the Kosovo Serb community. I obtained the full support of the Contact Group for UNMIK’s efforts to stop the cycle of violence.”

The SRSG further said “violence can only be stopped if communities talk to each other. The Russian Government and the Contact Group agreed that a speedy start to direct dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade will help in creating a Kosovo where all communities can live together in safety.”

SRSG Holkeri stated “Our talks have convinced me of the necessity of continuing with UNMIK’s priorities: strengthening rule of law, supporting returns and minority rights and pressing on with economic development.” He added that there is a consensus in the international community on the issue of Kosovo.