Appointment of Ambassador Frank G. Wisner As The Special Representative of the Secretary of State to the Kosovo Status Talks

I am pleased to announce my intention to appoint Ambassador Frank G. Wisner as my Special Representative to the Kosovo Status Talks. Ambassador Wisner is a seasoned diplomat with more than 30 years of international experience. He served his country with distinction as Ambassador to India, the Philippines, Egypt and Zambia and as the Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs and as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

Ambassador Wisner will provide American support to the lead international negotiator, UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari, in his efforts to bring together Serbian and Kosovar leaders for discussions on Kosovo’s future status. Members of the Contact Group have determined that resolution of this issue is key to ensuring stability in Southeast Europe.

The United States encourages the parties to engage in these talks in the spirit of good faith and with a willingness to reach agreement on a broad range of issues important to Kosovo’s future. With our Contact Group partners and in support of the U.N. Special Envoy’s efforts, the United States will seek to secure a settlement on Kosovo’s status that promotes security for all peoples of the Balkans and advances the region’s integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions.

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