STATEMENT BY NATO SECRETARY GENERAL,
LORD ROBERTSON, ON YESTERDAY'S VIOLENCE IN KOSOVSKA MITROVICA FOLLOWING
THIS MORNING'S MEETING OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL
I strongly condemn yesterday's outbreak
of violence in Kosovska Mitrovica in which more than 40 people, including
16 French KFOR soldiers, were injured.
Deliberate provocations by extremists and troublemakers will not be tolerated by KFOR. We will not stand idly by and allow them to achieve their goals of division, separatism and ethnic hatred. KFOR reacted swiftly and firmly to these latest attacks and will press forward with the goal of establishing a democratic, multi-ethnic and secure Kosovo.
It should be clear to all that KFOR Commanders will respond vigorously to any attacks on our soldiers. No one should doubt our resolve.
This morning the situation in Kosovska Mitrovica was quiet. KFOR will endeavour to ensure that it remains so. I appeal to all the inhabitants of the city to reject the violence and hate-mongering of extremists and to cooperate fully with UNMIK, KFOR and other international institutions. That is the only way to give the people of Kosovo a chance to build a stable, democratic and prosperous future.