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UNMIK/PR/611 KTC Discusses Proposed Forensic Expert Visits to Mass Graves in FRY PRISTINA - The Kosovo Transitional Council today discussed the reported refusal by Kosovo forensic experts to participate in the exhumation of bodies from the mass graves in Serbia, which the KTC had been demanding for sometime. The issue was raised by DSRSG Tom Koenigs, who chaired the KTC meeting today in the absence of both SRSG Hans Haekkerup and PDSRSG Gary Matthews. Mr. Koenigs said it was embarrassing for the KTC that the Kosovo Institute of Forensic Medicine had refused to send anyone to Belgrade, after considerable negotiation and planning. UNMIK was informed about this decision yesterday. Mr. Koenigs expressed surprise at the explanation given to UNMIK , which was that "political advisors had discouraged the experts of the institute to take part in what is supposed to be 'manipulation by UNMIK in its political interest'", he said. Mr. Koenigs said this was especially disappointing because SRSG Hans Haekkerup had taken personal interest and negotiated at the highest level to reach an agreement with Belgrade to allow Kosovo Albanian forensic pathologists to be present during the exhumation process, following a KTC initiative. "The Serb side has shown a most cooperative attitude and it is really a pity that the Kosovo Albanian side has refused to cooperate", he added. He said the exhumation process would be much more credible in the eyes of the Kosovars if Kosovo experts participate in it. Several KTC members were themselves surprised and concerned at the same time by this development. One member said the refusal by the institute was "incomprehensible". A member suggested that the institute authorities should be asked to come and explain to KTC why they wouldn't send an expert to Belgrade. Finally it was decided that the matter would be handled by the Department for Health and Social Welfare and if it is not sorted out by the next KTC meeting, the institute officials would be asked to come and explain to the KTC the rationale for their decision. Earlier, Ms. Sevdije Ahmeti read a letter from the mothers of those missing in Gjakova, seeking information about the missing children. Mr. Koenigs also informed the members about the suspension of the five high-ranking KPC members by SRSG and COMKFOR last week. He said subsequently General Agim Ceku had sent his letter of resignation, which was rejected by UNMIK. He reaffirmed UNMIK and KFOR's commitment to work closely with the KPC under General Ceku. Some KTC members expressed reservations over the action taken against the five officers. KTC members also raised the issue of some refugees from FYROM not being allowed back into the country from Kosovo. UNHCR's Deputy Special Envoy Saber Azam assured the members that the humanitarian agency was dealing with this issue and was in touch with the FYROM government to resolve it.
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