17/02/2008 Imperative to preserve peace in Kosovo
Following the declaration of independence of Kosovo, the Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul MEP, has called for calm and warned against any escalation of violence.
It has been expected that the Kosovo authorities would be declaring independence, after what they viewed as an 8-year long status quo which was no longer tenable. Chairman Daul stated that the process has to be in close cooperation with the European Union.
"In the interest of the future and having in mind the past, it is absolutely imperative to preserve peace and to have the utmost respect for human rights and multi-ethnicity in Kosovo."
"We must take into account the situation in the wider region to avoid any escalation of violence and a return to the failed policy of the 1990s", argued Mr Daul. "It is of the utmost importance that Serbia does not close the door to Europe and goes back to a policy of isolation."
The Chairman concluded by reiterating: "The decision on whether to recognise Kosovo's independence, now that it has been proclaimed, will not be dictated by threats of violence or radicalisation."
For further information:
Joseph Daul MEP, Tel: +33-3-88-175525
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, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290
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