UNMIK/PR/1145
PRISTINA – SRSG Harri Holkeri made the following remarks at the joint press conference held in UNMIK today:
“We had a long meeting together with the Secretary-General of NATO Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Bulgarian foreign minister Solomon Passy and the representatives of the Quint.
“After this we met with the PISG and the leaders of the Kosovo Albanian parties. We had a lengthy discussion on the events of the last week. I heard many explanations for the violence. To my great astonishment and disappointment something was left out, with one exception, namely the remorse and the condemnation of the violence against Kosovo Serbs from the side of the Kosovo Albanian politicians. In my view this is utterly disappointing and I urge the PISG and the Kosovo Albanian parties to bear their responsibilities.
“When we have been put to the test like never before, NATO and KFOR have come through for us. These soldiers from all over Europe and North America were forced in many cases to put their lives at risk – and many of them were injured – to restore order. I am pleased to say that the assistance we’ve received from NATO is enabling us to resume the full functioning of our mission for the people of Kosovo.
“The top priority for now is to restore law and order, stabilize the situation and bring the perpetrators to justice. This will happen in good coordination between KFOR and UNMIK. The international community cannot tolerate impunity.
“Our most urgent efforts now are to help those who have fled their homes in the last week. UNMIK, together with UNHCR and KFOR, are providing mattresses, blankets, food and medical care to the displaced.
“The media has picked up my remarks on the question of ethnic cleansing. Let us not dwell on labels. Some 28 people have died. 30 religious sites destroyed in fire and explosion, 11 more have suffered damage. 286 houses, a school and a hospital have been burnt or damaged. Every lost life is one too many. Every house burnt is one too many. Every church attacked is one too many.
“I urge the PISG and the Kosovo Albanians, of course, to extend their hand to the other communities. Confidence and trust has been lost. They must make a positive effort to restore trust. That is their responsibility.
“I greatly appreciate the decision of the Kosovo Government to set up a special fund to repair the damage caused by the recent riots. The money must be provided quickly, and must meet all justified demands.
“Ladies and gentlemen. UNMIK is a human rights mission. This is our task and we are committed to fulfilling it.”