U.S. Helsinki Commission to Hold Hearing on the Challenges to Minority Communities in Kosovo

WASHINGTON - Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) and Co-Chairman Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), will hold a hearing entitled, "The Challenges to Minority Communities in Kosovo," on Tuesday, June 3 at 3:00 p.m. in room B-318 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Testifying before the Commission will be Ambassador Knut Vollebaek of Norway, High Commissioner for National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The hearing will focus on the protection and promotion of the rights of Serb, Romani and other minority communities in Kosovo, in light of its February 17 declared independence which Serbia does not recognize. In particular, the hearing will examine Ambassador Vollebaek's work regarding Kosovo and his recommendations for action by the Kosovar authorities as well as by Serbia, other OSCE States and the OSCE itself.

WHO: U.S. Helsinki Commission

WHAT: Hearing on Challenges to Minority Communities in Kosovo

WHEN: Tuesday, June 3 at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: B-318 Rayburn House Office Building

WITNESS

His Excellency Knut Vollebaek, OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities