UNMIK/PR/1149
We have all been deeply shocked and upset by the events of the last few days. I didn’t expect them. We must take stock together, reflect on what has happened and consider how we can go forward.
Today is the fifth anniversary of the NATO air campaign to end oppression in Kosovo in 1999. Perhaps today can mark another new beginning so that all the people of Kosovo can move forward together and in peace.
But we can only move forward if we make our stand clear. Violence must be condemned. We are all desperately sorry about the tragic deaths of the children in Cabra. The media treatment of this real tragedy contributed to violence carried out by criminals. The killing of innocent people is horrible and cruel, whoever they are. The ethnically motivated attacks against Serb and other communities were a disgrace and damaged us all.
Those who perpetrated and encouraged the violence must be isolated. Please help the police to identify and arrest those who carried out the attacks. They are not heroes of Kosovo – they have set back hopes for early resolution of Kosovo’s status. They have damaged the prospects of a better life for everyone.
I know that many people deeply regret what has happened. I applaud those leaders who have stood up to condemn violence and lead away the demonstrators, as the Prime Minister and others did last week in Caglavica.
I welcome the decision of the government to dedicate funds to rebuild the destroyed houses and churches. We all must help those who have lost their homes and their places of worship. Let us show that the noble traditions of good-neighbourliness and kindness in Kosovo are stronger than those who use thuggery and intimidation.
We can only move forward if we learn from this episode. We must all reflect on what we could have done and what we should do now to prevent further violence and trouble, that includes UNMIK. I recognize the frustration with the slow progress in Kosovo. The UN makes mistakes. We shall reflect on how we can do better.
But all of us in Kosovo must do the same and not think that all blame can be shifted to UNMIK and KFOR. Every individual in Kosovo should ask what they could have done and what they must do to make sure such terrible events never occur again. For in truth, when such events happen, there is something every one of us can do. We can speak out, we can show solidarity with the victims. We can make sure that our friends and family know that we do not approve.
I hope that today will mark a new start for Kosovo.
Our goal remains. We must make life better for all of Kosovo’s inhabitants. We need to find ways to create jobs and improve living conditions. The place for Kosovo’s youth is in education or work, not on the streets.
Above all, we must find ways for all communities to live and work together in peace. This work was never easy; it has become much harder. But I am convinced when I talk to ordinary Albanians, Serbs and other communities that it can be done. Everyone has a right to safety and democracy. I want to work with responsible leaders to see what can be done to turn this ideal into real and practical arrangements.
We can only make progress by working together. I remain committed to partnership with the government and people of Kosovo. We cannot allow our work to be endangered.