WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- The head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe says the United States must continue to play a key role in supporting security in Kosovo.
Speaking to the U.S. Helsinki Commission in Washington, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva said support from the United States is crucial for the OSCE to face challenges in keeping Kosovo stable in preparation for what many believe is an approaching independence declaration from Serbia.
"The OSCE can only work with the full engagement of its participating states," Kanerva said in a statement. "The United States has always played a key role, and must continue to do so, if we are to achieve the ambitious goals we have set for our organization."
Officials say the Helsinki Commission is a U.S. government agency responsible for monitoring and encouraging compliance with the Helsinki Final Act and other OSCE commitments. Kanerva is calling for continued support from the United States as the status of Kosovo continues to be debated.
"The outcome of the status process could have a negative impact on OSCE's engagement in Kosovo," Kanerva said. "You are well aware that the OSCE participating states remain deeply divided over the issue.
"This disagreement could lead in worst case to the current mission's termination. It would be a grave mistake for the OSCE and the entire international community if we were to leave it at that. I am determined to ensure continued OSCE engagement in Kosovo regardless of the status process."
