LibDem MEP calls for an end to cycle of violence in Kosovo

4.55.41pm GMT Mon 22nd Mar 2004

Sarah Ludford hopes for a stable future within the EU for the children of Kosovo

As vice chair of the European Parliament's delegation to South East Europe, Western Balkans, Sarah Ludford visited Kosovo recently just before the latest violence.

The EU is a key investor in the reconstruction of Kosovo

She is seen here visiting projects for resettlement of families from minority communities, Serbs and Ashkali, and also meeting with Kosovo's President Rugova and Prime Minister Rexhepi. She said:

Sarah Ludford met with many of those who should benefit from the EU supported schemes

"Five years after the NATO action which made Kosovo a de facto UN protectorate with massive EU support for reconstruction and regeneration, real progress was finally being made on reintegration. It is tragic that the latest appalling violence risks setting back Kosovo's route towards the EU.

Sarah with President Ibrahim Rugova and European Parliament colleagues

"Neither the UN nor the EU will, I'm sure, give up their efforts to support people living together in peace, but the primary responsibility must lie on the residents of Kosovo themselves to stop their cycle of hatred and violence."