Statement by the OSCE-chairman-in-office, Foreign Minister Knut Vollebæk of Norway

Oslo, 19 January 1999

The OSCE and the international community are fully united in their concern over the increased tension in the region. There is a consensus in OSCE that durable solutions can only be found through political means.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office reiterates that the FRY decision to declare Ambassador Walker, the Head of the Kosovo Verification Mission, "persona non grata" is totally unacceptable and may lead to a serious escalation of the conflict in Kosovo.

The OSCE has full confidence in the KVM leadership. The security of the KVM personnel is of vital importance. Appropriate measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the personnel.

The Chairman-in-Office has received full support from members of the OSCE for his efforts to find a solution to the present crisis.