UNMIK/PR/1047
Sunday, 12 October 2003

President Rugova to represent Kosovo at Vienna talks

PRISTINA - SRSG Harri Holkeri today made the following statement:

"The whole international community has worked tirelessly to support President Ibrahim Rugova and other Kosovo leaders who wish to give the people of Kosovo the chance to be represented on a broad basis at the opening of direct talks between Pristina and Belgrade in Vienna on Tuesday.

"Since it has proved impossible to include leaders of the Government of Kosovo in the delegation, Kosovo will be represented by President Rugova, who is the symbol of the unity of a multi-ethnic Kosovo. Nexhat Daci, President of the Assembly, will also be in the delegation.

"The talks in Vienna will be launched in the presence of high profile representatives of the international community.

"Whatever the difficulties within the Government, we hope that when the real technical talks in the Working Groups begin, Kosovo's Institutions will make a full commitment to help resolve the issues to be discussed, which are of direct practical interest to all the people of Kosovo."