Brussels - President Ibrahim Rugova of Kosovo was always on a side of peace, Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe Erhard Busek said in his reaction to today's announcement (21 January) of the death of President Rugova.

 "I have always admired President Rugova for his tireless efforts to promote the rights of the people of Kosovo and his firm commitment to the ideal of non-violence," Mr Busek said. "At this crucial moment in the history of Kosovo his contribution will be deeply missed."

"The people of Kosovo and its leaders should pay tribute to President Rugova by showing responsibility on the difficult path ahead in the coming months."

For further information, please contact Stability Pact's Spokesperson Mr Dragan Barbutovski at the SP Secretariat in Brussels (Tel: +32 2 401 87 25 or press@stabilitypact.org).

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PR2006/002