UNMIK/PR/52

PRESS RELEASE

28 September 1999

Kouchner Strongly Condemns Kosovo Polje Killings

PRISTINA--UNMIK SRSG Bernard Kouchner strongly condemned the grenade attack today in a market place in the predominantly Serb town of Bresje, close to Kosovo Polje.

UNMIK police confirmed that two grenades were thrown into a marketplace, killing two people and injuring more than 35 others. Four arrests have been made in connection with the attack. Two Kosovar Albanians were arrested by UNMIK police, and KFOR detained two others of undetermined ethnicity.

"This outrageous act against innocent civilians puts in danger all efforts at democracy in Kosovo," Kouchner said. "I deplore this crime which occurred in an area where our efforts at retaining a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo have been so intensely focused."

Kouchner also called for calm in the community which lies just outside Pristina. According to UNMIK police, demonstrations erupted following the grenade attack which occurred this morning. KFOR troops and UNMIK police rushed to contain the crowd.

"I plead with the people of Kosovo to put aside their weapons and their anger," said Kouchner. "We are helping you to build a system in which justice prevails. It should not be up to the people of Kosovo to seek their own revenge."

The UNMIK mission chief also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. "I deeply regret this tragedy, and will work with the people of Kosovo Polje to ensure the assailants are prosecuted."