UNMIK-KFOR-UNMIK Police-UNHCR Press Briefing, 21 June 2001

UNMIK Spokeswoman Susan Manuel
KFOR Spokesman Sqdrn. Ldr. Roy Brown
UNMIK Police Spokesman Derek Chappell
UNHCR Spokeswoman Mercedes Rose

UN Spokeswoman Susan Manuel

SRSG to Brussels

SRSG Hans Haekkerup and ComKFOR will go tomorrow to Brussels where they will meet with the North Atlantic Council and discuss options for Mitrovica.

Upcoming Press Conferences

The IRC and UNDP will address you after this briefing-Lach Fergusen, program officer for UNDP will talk about their upcoming youth Congress.

An NGO, called the Women's Commission, will brief the media on Wednesday, at 11a.m on the findings of their new study, "Making the choice for a better life", promoting the protection and capacity of Kosovo's Youth.  Kosovo youth leaders, Post-Pessimists and Young Ecologists, will summarize current youth initiatives. This will take place in at the Youth Centre Pristina. Boro Ramizi Sports Cpmplex.

KFOR Spokesman Sqdrn. Ldr. Roy Brown

KFOR injuries & death

Although it has been a generally quiet week in Kosovo, KFOR has unfortunately suffered more injuries and the death of one soldier, through various accidents.

A 22 year old German soldier died of injuries received when his "Dingo" armoured personnel carrier left the road and rolled down a hill near Gornaselle / Gornje Selo on Saturday.  One other soldier was seriously injured and two others slightly hurt in the accident.  They were taken, by helicopter, to the German military hospital in Prizren where all three are now described as comfortable.  The body of the deceased will be flown home today.  Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

Later on Saturday, a British KFOR soldier was seriously injured, here in Prishtine / Pristina, by a fork lift truck.  He was involved in maintenance operations when he was knocked down and then run over by the fork lift, sustaining injuries to his chest and abdomen.  He was

initially airlifted to camp Bondsteel for medical treatment where it was quickly realized that his injuries were sufficiently bad to warrant his evacuation to more specialist facilities.  He was therefore flown, at 3 am on Sunday morning, to Landstuhl Regional Hospital in Germany where he is receiving intensive trauma care.  His condition is serious but stable.

Another KFOR soldier was slightly injured in a road traffic accident south east of Mitrovica on Saturday afternoon.  He was evacuated to the French Military Hospital for treatment but has since been released.

Humanitarian Aid

On a brighter note, the humanitarian operation to supply potable water to the people of Kumanovo has been terminated, now that the permanent water supply has been re-established.  Yesterday saw the final delivery of 28,000 litres of water, by one Norwegian and three Italian trucks.  Over the 15 days of the operation, a total of over 1.1 million litres of water have been transported to the city.

Searches follow Shots

Searches were conducted by KFOR Multinational Brigade Centre troops on two occasions yesterday, after shots had been heard.  In Prishtine / Pristina, a patrol was sent to investigate shots, located at a wedding party and conducted a brief  search.  A house in Kopiliq / Obilic was also searched, with UNMIK-Police in attendance, after a shot had been reported.  Nothing was found in either search.  In an unrelated search, a cluster bomb was found near the village of Dusinac.  It was recovered by KFOR Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts.

Road Traffic Accident

In Prishtine / Pristina yesterday morning, a KFOR vehicle was involved in an accident with a civilian car.  The KFOR vehicle was slightly damaged but there were no injuries.  The driver of the civilian vehicle was only 15 years old.  KFOR Military Police are investigating.

Three Detained at Border

Three Albanians were detained by KFOR Multinational Brigade South soldiers when they crossed illegally, from Albania into Kosovo last night.  They were captured near Prezna and questioned before being handed over to the German Military Police.

UXOs and Gas Masks

Yesterday, a KFOR Multinational Brigade West Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team found a damaged missile engine in the garden of a house in Nabergjan / Nabrde.  The engine was removed and stored in a safe compound.  The previous day, a KFOR patrol  found a mine in Parza.  The mine was destroyed in situ.  Also on Saturday, a KFOR Task Force Falco patrol, working with UNMIK-Police, found three gas masks during a search of a bar in Dakovica.

KPS Member Arrested

Late last night, a KFOR Multinational Brigade West patrol stopped a man in Ponoshee / Ponosevac.  The man, who was a KPS officer, was in possession of a pistol but had no weapons authorisation card.  He was detained and handed over to UNMIK-Police.

UNMIK Police Spokesman Derek Chappell

Police Continue to Close Illegal Security Companies

One month ago UNMIK Police began a program to close down illegal Security Companies with a raid on the offices of Jaguar Security in Pec/Peje.  Last week the initiative continued with another raid on the business premises of BESA Security, also in Pec/Peje. This company had ignored warnings by UNMIK and demands to cease operating.

UNMIK Police, together with the Spanish SPU and Italian KFOR, secured the area and searched the company offices. Twenty persons were detained for interview and questioning.
Business records and equipment were seized. The raid was conducted without resistance.

Many of the security companies currently operating illegally have ceased to operate after receiving written notice from UNMIK. Last week's raid is a signal to those who still ignore the law that their day too is coming.

Prostitution Sweep - Gnjilane

The continuing enforcement action against organized prostitution targeted the Gnjilane region this weekend.   On Saturday, June 23rd, five Police Stations throughout the region conducted a sweep of local cafes and restaurants where we had information concerning prostitution.  In Gnjilane, 9 businesses were raided and 10 females detained for questioning.
In Urosevac, 10 bars and cafes were raided, leading to 20 females recovered.  In Kamenica, 5 businesses were searched and 5 females detained.  In Vitina, 4 bars and cafes yielded 4 females. The women were from Bulgaria, Romania and Albania.  Owners of the businesses were identified and interviewed. The women are being interviewed to determine if, and against whom, charges will be laid.

Complaint against Police

As reported last week, Police received a complaint from a female in Mitrovica Region, alleging sexual assault by an UNMIK Police officer.  A thorough investigation was conducted and the results of the investigation have been given to an international prosecutor to review. He will make an independent decision on the case.  I will inform you once that decision is made.

Update on Murder Cases

Unfortunately, the most significant news item from the Police this week is the rash of murders that has plagued Kosovo. Across the province we have recorded eight murders. Four of those are in Gnjilane, three in Mitrovica and one in Pristina. Six of the victims were

K-Albanian, two are K-Serbian.  In the latest case, Police are investigating the death of a K-Serbian male that occurred Saturday, June 23rd , in Korilje Village, near Zvecan. The man was reported to the Police as missing by his family. A search was organized by the Polish SPU and UNMIK Police resulting in his body being found about 01:00 p.m. in a field where he had been cutting grass. Death was apparently due to stab wounds.  Following the murder, an angry crowd of over 100 people, gathered of the family home of the victim in Korilje Village. Calm has now returned and Police are conducting an investigation.

In another case in Ternove Village, Mitrovica Region, a K-Albanian male shot his cousin at close range with a shotgun. The suspect was detained and placed in a local psychiatric facility.  Staying in Mitrovica, Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at a coffee bar in Mitrovica South on Tuesday, June 19th at 08:15 p.m.  On arrival officers found the body of a K-Albanian male. He had been shot in the head and killed. Police began an investigation that led to the arrest, on June 21st, of a K-Albanian male.

In a particularly sad and tragic case in Drenica, Pristina, a K-Albanian male, who had recently returned to Kosovo to begin a new life, was shot and killed.  On June 21st, at 04:20 in the morning Mr. Hamit MUSLIU was shot through the front door of his home. He was hit in the stomach and fatally injured.  Mr. MUSLIU had lived in Germany for 35 years. He had preceded his family to Kosovo, returning to build a house and establish a home here, presumably for retirement. There is no apparent motive. Police are investigating.

There is no obvious reason for this outbreak of fatal violence, and no common denominator, except the continuing use of weapons and violence as an acceptable part of life.

Overview

Looking back on the last week, 8 murder cases were recorded as compared to 4 the week before.  The number of attempted murders rose from 5 to 7, and  kidnappings dropped from 5 to 2 cases. The number of 5 reported arsons is exactly the same as in the week before.

Across Kosovo, 151 persons were arrested, the majority in Gnjilane, Prizren and Mitrovica.  12 persons were arrested for major crimes such as murder and attempted murder.
Overall crime rate has raised from 500 cases the week before to 519 cases this week, whereas intimidation and assault cases still form the majority of the reported incidents.  

UNHCR Spokeswoman Mercedes Rose

FYROM Crisis

The numbers of refugees entering Kosovo began to rise again last Thursday and have continued to do so throughout the rest of the week and weekend.  The rise in the number of refugees can be attributed to increased fighting in the Aracinovo/Haraqina (near Skopje) and Radusa areas and a perceived break down in political negotiations in fYROM.

Over the weekend, Kosovo received over 14,000 refugees from fYROM (9900 through Blace and 4185 through Jazince). This brings the total number registered since the beginning of the conflict to nearly 70,000.  This figure includes 48,800 during June alone.

Movements elsewhere in the region

In addition to movements into Kosovo, some 300 persons arrived in Serbia from Macedonia over the weekend.  The total number of persons who left fYROM for Serbia since the beginning of the conflict is now over 6,000.  Those entering Serbia include Macedonian ethnic Albanians, Macedonian Slavs, and Macedonian Muslims.

General situation report

Refugees arriving in Kosovo over the past four days have originated from the municipality of Skopje, Kumanovo, Tetovo and Radusa and nearby locations.  In addition, UNHCR has witnessed a recent trend of new arrivals who have been displaced several times in in fYROM before coming to Kosovo.  Many had fled their villages for safer areas such as Skopje and Kumanovo town and only now decided to leave for Kosovo over the past few days due to fear and anxiety about the present situation and the close proximity of fighting to the capital.  While UNHCR had previously reported a figure of some 30,000 internally displaced persons in fYROM who were registered by the Macedonian Red Cross, we believe that many may have now come to Kosovo over the past few days and will continue to do so.

Protection concerns

UNHCR remains concerned about reports of difficulties that refugees say they have faced in leaving fYROM.  There have been numerous times over the past few days when the border was temporarily closed to persons without documentation.  UNHCR was able to intervene then, and the policies were reversed.  Over the past weekend, UNHCR also observed long lines of vehicles filled with civilians at a police checkpoint in fYROM some ten kms. from the Blace border.  The vehicles were packed mainly with women, children, and elderly persons waiting to be permitted by fYROM police to proceed to the border.  Many families reported that they had tried two or three times to approach the border but were turned back and were trying again.  Others frustrated and exhausted after reportedly up to four or five hours of waiting, decided to return to their homes before nightfall and try again the next day.  UNHCR appeals to the Macedonian Government to allow all civilians who may be caught in the conflict the freedom to move to the border areas for humanitarian reasons.

Humanitarian assistance

Upon entry into Kosovo, refugees continue to be registered by the Kosovo Red Cross in conjunction with UNHCR.  They are immediately provided fresh food assistance and baby parcels by ICRC, the Mother Teresa Society, a number of Islamic NGOs, local communities, and through donations by some international NGOs such as CRS.  IOM and local volunteer taxi services and bus companies are providing transportation to the refugees from the border areas to locations where they have accommodation with host families.  From these locations those needing assistance are able to register with UNMIK and receive food and non-food support from UNHCR and WFP.  Currently UNHCR is putting in place a programme to provide additional support to host families in Kosovo through small cash stipends to be implemented by IFRC and KRC, and through an expansion of an existing project that provides basic construction materials to improve the accommodation of the refugee families.

Yesterday, UNHCR also opened a full service registration center near Kacanik that can be expanded to host up to 14,000 refugees should the need arise.  There is  a water supply, bathrooms, showers, and space for refugees to be accommodated immediately for overnight stays if needed.  In addition, a medical tent and children's play area are being prepared.

Questions:

Q: KFOR has tightened the borders, UNHCR has helped the refugees, so what has UNMIK done regarding the situation in Macedonia? What is UNMIK's policy?
SM: SM: Refugees fall under the mandate of UNHCR. UNHCR has prepared for refugees. They have not at all been taken by surprise. They are working at the job they are supposed to be doing. From the beginning of the conflict, Hand Haekkerup has had at least one meeting with President Trajkovski and he supports the efforts for a political dialogue. But really his mandate is within Kosovo. He has made several public statements that while he understands there are several links between individuals and groups in Kosovo and armed extremists in FYROM, the ties in some media can tend to be exaggerated and he has urged and he has been satisfied that Kosovo Albanian leaders have distanced themselves from the conflict there. But once again his job is to see that this conflict doesn't destabilize Kosovo and in that respect, KFOR has the duty to enforce the border, which they have doubled their troops along the border. There isn't much more we can do, given that UNMIK's mandate is to administer Kosovo civilly. There is not much more we can do except to keep Kosovo calm.

Q: Why are brothels back in business one day after being raided?  There are many brothels in Pristina: why haven't they been raided? Is this related to what happened in Bosnia?

DC: Firstly I don't accept your statement that the brothels are back up and running shortly after we raid them. As I explained last weekend this week, our actions are done in conjunction with local health inspectors in municipalities, the places that we raided last week are shut down. What happens immediately after the raid is that the women that we retrieve or recover have to be interviewed to determine how they got into Kosovo, who was controlling them, who brought them here. That's essential before we can lay charges. As to why we are conducting this operation now. As I recall less than a year ago, UNMIK Police was subject to a great deal of criticism from the media that we were tackling this problem. We are tackling this problem as an issue that affects the human rights of the women that are trafficked and also as part of the strategy against organized crime. It certainly has no relationship to whatever might have happened in Bosnia. It's part of the evolution of our police agency here to combat the different aspects of crime that we have in Kosovo.

Q: Can we get an update on the CivPol arrested for sexual harassment?
DC: At the present time he is still suspended. As we said we are awaiting the decision of the international prosecutor. In the interests of maintaining a completely transparent process, we have put the entire file in the hands of an independent person. As soon as they make a decision we will announce it.

Q: The SRSG and COMKFOR are going to Brussels to discuss among other things Mitrovica.  What are they expected to say?
SM: There are various options they want to discuss with the North Atlantic Council, looking for their support. But we can't talk about it till it has been talked about there.

Q: Is prostitution illegal in Kosovo or not?
DC: There was a regulation that Dr. Kouchner signed just before he left Kosovo. I remember giving details of that legislation. It is an offence to control somebody for the purposes of prostitution. It is an offence to traffic someone into Kosovo. There are substantial penalties, I can't recall the exact penalties now. They are more substantial if the person is a minor. It is a criminal offence to knowingly use the services of someone who is being held for the sex trade. We can also seize the assets of the businesses that are used for sex trade.

Q: But what if the woman is indulging in prostitution willingly?
DC: If somebody is involved in the sex trade and if the customer knowingly uses that person, that is am offence. Prostitution is an offence in Kosovo.

Q: Lately the local NGOs are criticizing UNHCR, saying they are only counting the refugees, not really helping them. What's your comment on that?
MR: UNHCR is providing direct assistance to the refugees at the border. We are providing water and juice there. We are, in conjunction with the Mother Teresa Society, doing the registration together with them and upon arrival of the refugees to locations where they are being accommodated with host families. We are providing them with non-food items, mattresses, blankets and stoves, on an as- needed basis, as well as other items. Thus far the coordination with local NGOs has been extraordinarily good, so I am surprised to hear that.

Q: How do these girls come into Kosovo?
DC: There are several routes by which women are trafficked into Kosovo. One is through Macedonia and the other is through Serbia. Very often, when they are brought in here they are brought here under coercion or threat. So that when   they come across the boundary, for instance from Serbia, they do not make any complaint. So there is no reason as long there are proper documents to challenge their entry. In other cases they are brought in across the so called green border, where UNMIK Police do not regularly patrol. When they are brought into Kosovo, their identification papers, their passports are withheld from them. They usually do not speak the language, they do not have any local contact, so they do in effect become totally subservient to the people who bring them here.

Q: Mr. Haekkerup and Mr. Daan Everts were in  Belgrade and were trying to convince the Belgrade authorities to have an influence on the Serbs in Kosovo to participate in the elections. If the Serbs in Kosovo don't participate, even after getting promises from Mr. Haekkerup and Mr. Everts, will Mr. Haekkerup or  Mr. Everts, resign from their posts?
SM: I haven't heard that.

Q: If it is an offence to be a brothel owner, then why were none of them arrested?
DC: You are correct when you say being a brothel keeper is an offence. As I have said when we first go into these business premises, it's a case of gathering the evidence. As in any police operation in any country we don't lay a charge until we have the evidence, we don't arrest the people before we have the evidence to lay the charge. And when you are dealing with offences like this, your evidence comes with interviewing and questioning the people who are allegedly being kept as prostitutes and in some of these operations, I think we have close to 40 women that were detained. They speak a variety of languages. By the time we do thorough investigations, interviews of all those people, that takes a considerable amount of time. We are certainly not going to arrest the owners of those cafes and bars until we have those statements. We know where to find them if we want to lay a charge at a later date.

Q: Is this job dangerous to raid the brothel?
DC: Any police operation has inherent danger. Yes we consider it a high-risk operation. These people have invested a great deal of money in their business, in buying the girls, they refer to the girls as their property. When we talk to them, they talk about owning these women, this is their livelihood, they have spent a lot of money on them, they are very often part of organized criminal activities. Yes, of course, it's a dangerous operation. When we go there, we go with sufficient resources to meet any challenge that we might face. There was a question earlier that people know where the brothels are and why don't we shut them down? As you have seen last week and this week, we have directed large resources to doing these sweeps, that's because it is a high-risk exercise.

Q: Have any of the customers been arrested?
DC: I know that anybody found in any of the businesses raided was identified and as to whether or not charges are laid after talking to the girls and it has been established who was a customer and who might have used them for sexual purposes, I find that out for you.

Q: What's the nationality of the customers, mainly?
DC: The last information I had was that a majority were Kosovo Albanian males.