ACTING HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONDEMNS RECENT VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO

2 September 2003



Acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Bertrand Ramcharan strongly condemns the recent series of attacks throughout Kosovo and appeals for an immediate end to the violence

The acting High Commissioner calls the attacks, including the bombing on 31 August in Crnica, an assault on the crucial process of democratic reforms in Kosovo. These heinous acts underline the urgency of ridding Kosovo of criminal and destructive influences and of establishing a democratic society fully based on rule of law and respect for human rights. The perpetrators of these crimes must not be allowed to undermine the peace process and the efforts to build a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo.

The acting High Commissioner encourages the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to continue their efforts to improve the security situation in Kosovo, in particular through strengthening local police and measures to fight organized crime. He conveys his condolences to the families of the victims of the recent violence and to the people of Kosovo.



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