Meeting of Contact Group Political Directors

STATE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASES

Media Note

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

June 30, 2006

Meeting of Contact Group Political Directors

Contact Group Political Directors, joined by senior representatives of NATO, the European Union and United Nations, met with UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari in Brussels on June 30.

The Contact Group reaffirmed its support for the Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari in Brussels on June 30. The Contact Group reaffirmed its support for the Special Envoy's work directing the process to determine Kosovo's future status, on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, the Contact Group Guiding Principles and the London Contact Group Ministerial statement. President Ahtisaari provided an update on progress in the negotiations to date. The Contact Group discussed the need for both parties in the negotiations to work constructively with the Special Envoy and facilitate the implementation of standards. The Contact Group also discussed concerns about developments in northern Kosovo.