UNMIK/PR/1640
PRISTINA – Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Rücker gave the following statement today at a press conference at UNMIK Headquarters:
Let me repeat and again express my regret at the tragic events of last Saturday. This loss of life is tragic regardless of the circumstances and my thoughts continue to be with the families of Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini.
Upon my return from Brussels where I attended the General Affairs Council of the European Union, I have assessed the situation last night and this morning – the situation in Pristina and in Kosovo – and I would like to inform you that I have asked the Police Commissioner, Stephen Curtis, to resign from his post with immediate effect.
Let me state very clearly that the resignation of the Police Commissioner does not prejudge the ongoing investigation into the two deaths on Saturday. Deputy Commissioner Kalleberg will inform you about this. The fact that I have asked for his resignation is in the course of principles and political accountability.
The investigation will of course continue. I want to ensure that the investigation is done in a fully transparent manner and that there can be no doubt about the independence of the investigation. This is why I have directed that the investigation will be lead by a special prosecutor in the Department of Justice, who will inform me about the process on a daily basis.
Let me finish by expressing my support for the UNMIK Police and KPS for the crucial work they are carrying out in Kosovo which has my full support.
