Developments today, 26 June 2000 - Updated
4:30 p.m. EST
Civilian administration
Kouchner condemns attack on UNMIK offices in Kosovo: The head of UNMIK, Dr. Bernard Kouchner, today strongly condemned another outbreak of violence, which destroyed the UN offices in Strpce, south of Pristina. The incident occurred Friday night, when a large crowd of Kosovar Serbs stormed the UNMIK offices in the town, destroying everything inside, including computers, files, windows, doors and furniture. The offices of local Serb employees, except for that of a Serb viewed as being a "moderate," were left untouched. Dr Kouchner said the events in Strpce were "well coordinated and organized by persons not from the area." These acts of vandalism, he said, were "unacceptable and must stop." In another incident yesterday, one Kosovo Serb was killed and one injured by gunfire in the town of Kosovo Polje. The ethnicity or motive of the attacker is unknown.
Kouchner welcomes Serbs back in the Joint Interim Administrative Structure: The head of UNMIK, Dr. Bernard Kouchner, yesterday welcomed the decision taken by the Serb National Council (SNC) to rejoin the Interim Administrative Council and the Kosovo Transitional Council as observers after a temporary suspension two weeks ago. Following talks on additional measures on security and freedom of movement, UNMIK and the SNC are expected to sign an "Understanding" later this week containing concrete steps to improve the life of the Serb community.
For further information, contact the Spokesman's Office: tel (212) 963-7161/2; fax (212) 963-7055.