UNMIK/PR/449
PRESS RELEASE - 18 December 2000

SRSG strongly condemns events in Leposavic
 
Again Mitrovica Region has been the scene of sad and tragic activities. First, a Kosovo Albanian male was found shot dead in his apartment in North Mitrovica. Secondly, in an unconnected event, Leposavic Municipal Police Station and the adjacent Belgian KFOR base were the scene of serious public disorder last night. Yesterday's violence resulted in the death of two Kosovo Serbs and the burning of the Leposavic Municipal Police Station.

The violence was sparked by the arrest of a Kosovo Serb earlier yesterday. He had been stopped by a police patrol for driving his car recklessly. As the police tried to detain him, he drove at a Kosovo Serb KPS officer.  He was arrested and detained by UNMIK Police. A crowd then formed at Leposavic Police Station to demand the release of the detainee.

The violence began with the crowd numbering approximately 200, stoning KPS vehicles in the Police car park. The crowd took hostage seven Belgian KFOR soldiers, who had returned from patrolling tasks in Mitrovica. Their release was negotiated by the Belgian KFOR Commander however two KFOR weapons and the keys to 2 KFOR vehicles were stolen.  At around midnight the crowd became increasingly violent and at one stage broke through the gates into the police compound. Belgian KFOR responded by firing tear gas and warning shots into the air in accordance with standard rules of engagement. Five vehicles were burned including 3 KFOR vehicles and 1 KPS police car. Petrol bombs were thrown by the crowd that set alight and destroyed the police station. The situation was stabilized by the early hours of Sunday morning.

Two Kosovo Serbs died as a result of the violence last night, one from a gunshot wound and the other apparently from a heart attack, another was injured; UNMIK Police and KFOR are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. At the moment it is too early to comment on the origin of the shots. Two experienced international investigators and a forensic team were dispatched at midday today from Pristina to Mitrovica to assist the Regional Police in their investigation into the two deaths. Additionally, two Special Police Units have been put on alert and are available to work in support of KFOR anti-riot troops.

SRSG Kouchner strongly condemns the behaviour of persons who believe that they can act with impunity and who attempt to interfere with the legitimate actions of policemen and soldiers who operate to protect the local people.  Such action will not be tolerated.  Today three Kosovo Serb leaders from Leposavic had a meeting with the UNMIK Regional Administrator, Mr Tony Welch and the KFOR Regional Commander, Brigadier Christian Falzone. The leaders were urged to calm down the residents of Leposavic so that peace could be restored.

                   For information only-not an official record