The UN Secretary-General has reaffirmed
his "total confidence" in his Special Representative in Kosovo,
Dr. Bernard Kouchner, a UN spokesman said today in New York.
The statement follows allegations recently
levelled against Dr. Kouchner by Yugoslav authorities and which the Spokesman,
Fred Eckhard, described as "malicious."
The Secretary-General views these allegations as a "transparent attempt at character assassination which have no basis and deserve no attention", Mr. Eckhard said.
The Secretary-General reaffirms his total confidence in Dr. Kouchner and commends the extraordinary efforts he has undertaken to create a just and civil society in Kosovo under difficult and demanding conditions, Mr. Eckhard said.