SRSG Statement on Death of Petar Topoljski, 16 May 2000

"This evening I received the shocking and appalling news that one of our UNMIK staff members, a young man of Serbian ethnicity, has been murdered.

"Petar Topoljski was 25 years old. He worked for the UNMIK Pristina Regional Administration. He disappeared a week ago from his office. UNMIK Police had indications he may have been kidnapped, and police investigators were deployed in the search. A body found in Rimaniste village was identified today as his.

"This news is a terrible blow, not only to the family and friends of Mr. Topoljski, but also to all the staff at UNMIK. We have tried to create the conditions of security for all our staff. But those intent on killing have found a way to their goal.

"I condemn in the strongest terms this attack on one of our staff members, particularly one of our Serbian staff, who are dedicated to their work, in spite of the threats and isolation which they must endure here.

"I wish to express my most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Petar's mother and the rest of his family, and I want to pledge my commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

"I also wish to express my concern and condolences to all of our staff, particularly the Serbian staff, for their lost colleague. We must work together to end the violence which has even entered our own halls."