SECRETARY-GENERAL SHOCKED BY ALLEGED MASSACRE IN KOSOVO

19 January 1999

Press Release
SG/SM/6864

SECRETARY-GENERAL SHOCKED BY ALLEGED MASSACRE IN KOSOVO

19990119 The following statement was issued on Saturday, 16 January, by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

I am shocked to learn today of the alleged massacre of some 40 individuals, apparently civilians, in Kosovo. I have received a full briefing form the Foreign Minister of Norway and Chairman-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Knut Volleback. I am gravely concerned at this latest development and call for a full investigation by the competent authorities. I appeal once again to all sides in Kosovo to refrain from any action that would further escalate the tragic situation.

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