Brussels, 10/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - "We discussed ways of lowering the temperature in Kosovo and of forcing the extremists to abstain from any action that could complicate the situation", said American Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the end of a "very constructive" exchange of views with European Commission President Romano Prodi, in Brussels on Friday, where she was completing a week's round of Europe (see EUROPE of 9 March, p.4, as well as page 10 of this bulletin). Extremists acts are counter-productive, she insisted when meeting the press briefly and hedging a question on the possible deployment of ground troops to avoid a "hot spring". The goal, she stressed, "is to reach a phase where there will be greater support for governmental institutions, a large degree of autonomy and local elections". There was also a question of the need for each country to stick to their promises as to the level of participation in KFOR and "means for supporting Bernard Kouchner". "We are concerned with security throughout the region, including Montenegro", she continued, stipulating that she had also spoken of "projects" that could help the President of Montenegro. Finally, Mrs. Albright welcomed the opportunity she had had to "work with someone of Mr. Prodi's caliber and character", and the President of the Commission said he had been satisfied with this "lengthy and very friendly meeting", which demonstrated the constant strengthening of transatlantic cooperation in the political field. "There was no confrontation on any issues raised, nor negotiations, but simply an exchange of views", he said.