STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMISSION CONCERNING THE OUTBREAK OF VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO

"The Commission on Human Rights is deeply concerned at the recent outbreak of violence in Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY). It deplores the death of a large number of civilians, including women, children and the elderly. It condemns the excessive and brutal use of force by the Serbian police.

"The Commission once again calls on the authorities in Belgrade to cease violations of human rights and to take urgent steps to protect and promote internationally accepted standards of human rights in Kosovo. Government authorities have a clear duty to protect the rights of all citizens and to ensure that public security forces act with restraint and in full respect of internationally agreed norms and standards.

"The Commission stresses that it also condemns terrorism in all its forms and from any quarter, and denounces all acts of violence, including by Kosovo Albanian groups. It calls on the leaders of the Kosovo Albanian community to make clear their total rejection of terrorism.

"The Commission urges the FRY Government and the leadership of the Kosovo Albanian community to start a genuine dialogue with the aim of finding a peaceful solution, taking into account the rights of the Kosovo Albanians as well as all others who live in Kosovo and consistent with respect for the territorial integrity of the FRY.

"The Commission supports the statement by the High Commissioner for Human Rights of 12 March and calls on the authorities in Belgrade to cooperate fully with her requests, in particular to facilitate the deployment of additional human rights officers in Kosovo, and to agree to the establishment of an office of the High Commissioner in Pristina.

"The Commission requests the newly appointed Special Rapporteur on the former Yugoslavia to make an early visit to the region and to report back to the Commission, and calls on the authorities in Belgrade to cooperate fully with him.

"The Commission welcomes the initiative of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions in seeking to visit Kosovo and report to its current session. The Commission calls upon the authorities in Belgrade to cooperate fully with him. The Commission also calls upon the authorities in Belgrade to permit independent investigation, including by relevant international bodies, into allegations of extrajudicial killings and, if these allegations are borne out, to prosecute and punish those responsible. There must be no impunity for such acts."