Thank you, Madame Chairperson.

We would like to express our continuing concern regarding the ongoing violence in Mitrovica. We strongly condemn the recent cycle of violence and murder in Mitrovica, and call upon all parties to cease these violent acts and instead seek a political solution to their differences.

We are especially concerned about evidence suggesting that both Serb and Albanian extremist opponents of a peaceful settlement are fueling these fires -- literal and figurative -- in Mitrovica. We condemn these opponents of reconciliation in the strongest terms. The latest round of violence in Mitrovica benefits only the enemies of a peaceful, democratic Kosovo.

At the same time, we commend the peacekeeping efforts of both KFOR and the United Nations International Police. Together, these forces have displayed professionalism and courage in the face of danger, doing everything possible to protect international workers and civilian residents of all ethnicities. The violence which did take place was tragic, but we must also consider how much worse it would have been had it continued uncontrolled and unhalted.

In this connection, Madame Chairperson, I'd like to underscore that we are all working together toward reconciliation and peace in Kosovo. There is one KFOR, one UN - it is destructive to try to split nations off from one another, as some have done.

We are pleased to report that the U.S. is doing its part to help create a secure environment in Kosovo. We have recently committed additional funds to increase our pledge from 450 police officers in Kosovo to 550. Moreover, we are working to increase our police commitment even further, to 680. The U.S. has also supported the establishment and refurbishment of the OSCE's police school in Vucitrn from the very start. We urge the member nations of the OSCE to each do what they can to support the restoration of law and order in Kosovo, a mission upon which all our other mandates must depend.

We also call upon both Albanian and Serb Kosovars to put aside the hatreds and animosities of the past, and to work instead to secure a peaceful and secure future. Although some positive steps have been made, Kosovo's leaders must forcefully call for an end to the violence, and set an example to all by working constructively with each other and the international community.