Statement by Foreign Minister of Finland, Mr Tuomioja, concerning the death of President Rugova

Press release 22/2006
21 January, 2006


I want to express my sincere condolences on the death of the President of Kosovo, Dr. Ibrahim Rugova. President Rugova was respected by the international community for his commitment to the building of a peaceful and stable society in Kosovo, and as an adversary of all violence. The tragic illness touched the President in a critical time when the international community together with Prishtina and Belgrade is seeking a sustainable future status for Kosovo and when the European Union is engaged in bringing Kosovo closer to the European structures.

The best way to pay tribute to the work of President Rugova is to give support to the ongoing status negotiations so that they would continue in a constructive atmosphere. I hope that all Kosovo inhabitants will, in spite of their grief, continue on the path of reforms.

Additional information: Susanna Parkkonen, Press Attaché to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5012