UNMIK/PR/415

PRESS RELEASE - 15 November 2000

KTC Statement on Detained and Missing Persons

Pristina--The Kosovo Transitional Council (KTC) today issued the following statement:

“The Kosovo Transitional Council expresses its deep sorrow at the continued detention of Kosovo prisoners illegally detained in Serbian jails.
 
“The KTC calls upon the Belgrade authorities, as well as any other parties who may contribute to the establishment of the fate of all missing persons, to forward any information to UNMIK.

“The KTC welcomes the constant support of the SRSG, Dr Bernard Kouchner, on the issue of the missing and detained. The KTC appreciates that the SRSG shares the sorrow of the families, who are presently demonstrating throughout Kosovo, and extends its support to the SRSG as he brings this crucial issue once more in front of the UN Security Council in New York.

“The KTC calls on the SRSG to continue making every possible effort to facilitate the release of Kosovo prisoners detained in Serbian jails as soon as possible.

“The KTC appeals to the international community, and in particular to the UN Security Council, to do its utmost to secure the release of all Kosovo detainees in Serbia.

“The KTC agrees with the SRSG that the release of all Kosovo Albanian political prisoners who remain in Serbia would constitute justice and a major step towards a meaningful dialogue and lasting peace.

“In the interests of moving the peace process forward, the KTC appeals once more to President Kostunica to act immediately to free all political prisoners”.