UNMIK/PR/1025
Thursday, 28 August 2003

SRSG visits Mitrovica, condemns Bica/Binxhe attack

PRISTINA - SRSG Harri Holkeri today urged the people of Mitrovica to break the cycle of violence and seek reconciliation. Speaking during his first visit to the city he underlined his commitment to bring the communities closer, but added: “We cannot bring people together by force”.

He strongly condemned recent violence in Pec/Peja region and this week’s gun attack in Bica/Binxhe.

“These horrendous acts were carried out by the enemies of Kosovo’s future,” he said.

“No stone will be left unturned until those responsible for the crimes committed in Kosovo are found.”

During his visit he attended a reception given by Municipal representative Minna Jarvenpaa to mark the annual Artists Colony in Zvecan. Later he toured northern Mitrovica and made a short visit to the monument on nearby Miners Hill.

Speaking to journalists in Cultural Centre beside Mitrovica bridge Mr Holkeri said that “Art and culture have an important role in bringing people closer together. Art is a universal language.”

He added: “The more dialogue we can facilitate, the more people will recognise their common interest in cooperation. Let us all learn from the arts and work for reconciliation.”

“I hope this centre will increasingly function as a place where people from both sides of the Ibar River meet and discover what is common to them, through art and through culture,” Mr Holkeri said.

The SRSG was briefed on the current political and security situation by Regional Representative David Mitchels, Regional UNMIK Police Commander Barry Pollin, and General Marc Bertucci, the Commander of the KFOR MNBNE. During the reception he also briefly met with 6 municipal presidents of Mitrovica region.