VILNIUS, 21 January 2010 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, called today on all in Albania to refrain from using violence, following clashes that have caused several deaths and numerous injuries.

"The right to demonstrate comes with a responsibility to do so peacefully," Ažubalis said. "Dialogue and co-operation could contribute to resolving the problems Albania is facing. Violence and provocative statements only aggravate the situation."

He noted that the OSCE and its Presence in Albania will continue to work with and support the efforts of Albania’s authorities, institutions and civil society actors to consolidate democracy, human rights and rule of law.

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