Osmani: A "wall of separation" dividing people is unsustainable, contrary to basic OSCE principles
Skopje, 11 April 2023 (MIA) - It's unfortunate that in the 21st century there is a "wall of separation" at the Odzisi crossing, dividing the conflict-affected population. This is sad and unacceptable. Freedom of movement of people in this area is completely blocked, said OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani, who visited the Odzisi crossing on Tuesday to see the ongoing effects of the 2008 conflict and the real life problems for conflict-affected people on ground.
The people, Osmani stressed, have no opportunity to visit their relatives, to visit their friends, to use the agricultural land.
"They are deprived of the opportunity to visit even their religious sites. This is unsustainable and contrary to the basic principles of the OSCE and civilization ideals," he said.
Osmani called for support to all efforts aiming to reopen the crossing, adding that it would be good if this can be achieved before the Easter holidays.
"People need to regain their freedom of movement, as a basic human right. North Macedonia's Chairpersonship is focused and aimed at helping people affected by the conflict," Osmani stressed.
During his visit to Odzisi, Osmani was accompanied by the EU Monitoring Mission. He thanked the EU Monitoring Mission for their important work on the ground in the past 15 years together with the OSCE representatives, highlighting their efforts in preventing return of hostilities and facilitating the restoration of safe and normal life for people in the conflict-affected regions.
Osmani left Odzisi for Tserovani, where he visited the settlement of internally displaced people after the 2008 conflict. Osmani had the chance to listen to their stories firsthand and offer support to improve their everyday lives.
"I assure you as OSCE Chairman-in-Office that together with our partners we'll do everything in our power to improve the situation of all internally displaced and marginalized people, as well as the families of those who have disappeared," said Osmani.
Photo: MFA
Video link: https://we.tl/t-xZygthCffO
