UNMIK/PR/459
PRESS RELEASE - 29 December 2000

Kouchner Condemns Attack on Elderly Serb Couple

SRSG Bernard Kouchner today condemned the attack last night on an elderly Serb couple in Obilic, which resulted in the death of Dragan Rapaic. His wife, Vukosava Rapaic, is currently being treated at Mitrovica Hosptial for injuries sustained in the assault by several unidentified men who broke into their home at about 9 p.m.

"I am outraged and disgusted by this vicious attack on an elderly and innocent Serb man and his wife, who were assaulted and dragged from their home last night," Dr. Kouchner said from Paris.

UNMIK Police were alerted this morning that a couple was found lying in the street outside their home in Colonia village, of Obilic municipality near Pristina.  Police found Dragan Rapaic dead at the scene with his throat slashed. Vukosava Rapaic, whose throat was also cut, was taken to the British contingent hospital and then to Mitrovica hospital where she is being treated for injuries which police have termed severe, but not life-threatening. Both are Kosovo Serbs believed to be in their 60s, who had been sharing a duplex house with Kosovo Albanian neighbors without incident.

Mrs. Rapaic told police that the assailants were four males speaking Albanian, who attacked the couple with their hands and knives.

Dr. Kouchner urged all residents of Kosovo to pause in their holiday celebrations to reflect on the tragedy:
 
"The joyful atmosphere in which people of various religions have been celebrating this  special holiday period has been destroyed by this deplorable crime," Dr. Kouchner said. "We must all think about what this means for Kosovo and for humanity.

"I wish to express my deepest sorrow to Mrs. Rapaic and to wish her a speedy recovery. But it will take all of us much time to recover from this dark and shameful moment in Kosovo's history."

Dr. Kouchner said he would personally follow the police investigation which was launched this morning. "We will do all we can to ensure that who ever committed this obscene act will be brought to justice as soon as possible."  

"The attacks on Serbs and other minorities cannot continue if the people of Kosovo ever hope to count on the support of the international community."