OSCE Mission in Kosovo condemns grave desecration

Prishtine/Pristina, 22 February 2010 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo today strongly condemned the 19 February desecration of the grave of Zivka Jovanovic at the Orthodox cemetery in Gjilan/Gnjilane.

"This is an unacceptable and inhuman act. Such acts undermine the efforts of the local and international institutions to ensure returns and the multi-ethnic functioning of Kosovo," said the OSCE Acting Head of Mission, Ambassador Markku Laamanen.

"We welcome the immediate reaction by the government and the municipality, and we expect law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"The Mission sympathizes with the family at this difficult time.

"The OSCE Mission remains committed to working with communities and their political leaders in ensuring protection of rights of all communities."