The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK, Zahir Tanin, expresses serious concern at attempts to distort painful historical events. He also emphasises in the strongest terms the imperative need for an independent judiciary free from political and/or ethnic bias. SRSG Tanin recalls the paramount importance of the right to freedom of opinion and expression as set forth in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and notes that this powerful right should not be counter to the political responsibility of officials to pursue discourse that furthers mutual trust and respect.