Racak victims remain unburied

PRISTINA, 10 February 1999 - The bodies of 40 Albanian civilians killed in Racak on 15 January remain unburied. The Kosovo Verification Mission deeply deplores the unresolved issue of the transference of the bodies from the FRY authorities to the families in Racak, and their timely internment.

The failed attempt to hand over the bodies on 3 February ended in an undignified spectacle witnessed by the international media. The lack of organisation and co-operation between the FRY authorities and representatives of the families was evident to all observers. Further postponement of the transfer of the bodies is deeply deplorable and serves only to add to the anxiety of the grieving families.

The KVM condemns actions by all sides that deliberately delay a proper and dignified burial of the Racak victims. Attempts by either side to seek advantage over the timing of the release are to be condemned. Political manipulation and exploitation of the mourning families' grief is insensitive and unacceptable to the watching world.

The KVM calls upon all sides to co-operate and quickly resolve this issue to avoid further distress to the families.