Secretary-General deplores violence against peacekeepers in kosovo

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General deplores the violent attacks against United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) police and Kosovo Force (KFOR) personnel that occurred earlier today in Mitrovica, Kosovo.

This violence took place in the context of an operation by UNMIK and KFOR to re-establish control of the UNMIK court house that had been forcibly occupied by Kosovo Serb demonstrators on 14 March.  The violence resulted in numerous injuries among UNMIK Police, KFOR and Kosovo Serb protesters.

The Secretary-General reaffirms that UNMIK will continue to implement its mandate under resolution 1244 (1999). He urges all communities to exercise calm and restraint, and underlines the need for constructive dialogue in order to address the situation.  The Secretary-General expects all sides to refrain from any actions or statements that could incite or provoke further violence.

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For information media • not an official record