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OSCE condemns murder of four Ashkali men in Kosovo
PRISTINA 11 November 2000
PRISTINA, 10 November 2000 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo strongly condemns the brutal murders in Skenderaj / Srbica on Wednesday night of four members of the Ashkali community.
The victims three adult men and a 16-year-old youth were killed shortly after returning to their former homes in the village of Dashevc/Dasevac from which they had been displaced. They were being assisted and supported by the OSCE, amongst others, to re-establish their lives there.
OSCE Deputy Head of Mission, Craig Jenness, described the murders as cowardly and reprehensible. He said they were a setback to the continuing efforts to help displaced people return home and were seriously damaging to Kosovo s image abroad.
Mr Jenness said all displaced people had the right, not just to return to their homes, but to return without fear for their safety. The perpetrators should know that this hideous crime only stiffens our resolve to work towards that goal. Those responsible for the murders must be brought to justice.
Welcoming the statements of condemnation by Kosovo leaders today, the OSCE urges anyone with information on the killings to co-operate fully with UNMiK police and KFOR who are investigating the crime.
For further information, contact Roland Bless, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel.: (+381-38) 500-162 or satphone: 871-762-009-948, ext. 260 / mobile: (+389-70) 250-576 / e-mail: press@omik.org or website: /kosovo
The victims three adult men and a 16-year-old youth were killed shortly after returning to their former homes in the village of Dashevc/Dasevac from which they had been displaced. They were being assisted and supported by the OSCE, amongst others, to re-establish their lives there.
OSCE Deputy Head of Mission, Craig Jenness, described the murders as cowardly and reprehensible. He said they were a setback to the continuing efforts to help displaced people return home and were seriously damaging to Kosovo s image abroad.
Mr Jenness said all displaced people had the right, not just to return to their homes, but to return without fear for their safety. The perpetrators should know that this hideous crime only stiffens our resolve to work towards that goal. Those responsible for the murders must be brought to justice.
Welcoming the statements of condemnation by Kosovo leaders today, the OSCE urges anyone with information on the killings to co-operate fully with UNMiK police and KFOR who are investigating the crime.
For further information, contact Roland Bless, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel.: (+381-38) 500-162 or satphone: 871-762-009-948, ext. 260 / mobile: (+389-70) 250-576 / e-mail: press@omik.org or website: /kosovo