UNMIK/PR/1478
PRISTINA - SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen issued the statement below, following the crash of the Slovak military plane last night in north-eastern Hungary on its way back from Kosovo to Slovakia, which caused the deaths of 42 Slovak KFOR soldiers and civilians:
“It was with shock and sadness that I learnt of this tragic crash which caused such loss of life. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, and I extend to them my heartfelt condolences on behalf of UNMIK.
My thoughts are also with the survivor, that he may make a speedy recovery.
I spoke to the Slovak Foreign Minister, Eduard Kukan, a short while ago, and earlier to COMKFOR, to convey my solidarity at this moment of great sorrow for Slovakia and for KFOR.
I also extend my condolences to the Slovak government, the Slovak contingent and KFOR. The Slovak contingent makes an important contribution to KFOR and to maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo, and all of us in UNMIK stand with them as they grieve the passing of so many friends and colleagues who lost their lives so tragically when returning home from a mission during which they rendered service to others so generously.”
