After reviewing more than 100 complaints over insufficient criminal investigations with regard to disappearances, kidnappings and murders in Kosovo, Human Rights Advisory Panel came to conclusion that failures of UNMIK in that regard were systematic and that they cannot be justified, reads the newest report of the UNMIK Human Rights Advisory Panel (HRAP). HRAP has closed 97 cases in 2014, whereas 88 are pending opinions.
Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci, said on Friday that the future of Kosovo will be unclear if it doesn't establish the special court which will address war crimes allegations. "The alternative is the establishment of the special court by the United Nations,” Thaci said. According to him, only Kosovo enemies would want to see the failure to establish special court. "The alternative is too painful and completely outside the authority and laws of Kosovo," he added.
Kosovo’s President, Atifete Jahjaga, in a statement on the occasion of the 16th anniversary of the start of NATO air strikes, said that that was an act which enabled Kosovo’s people to live freely today. “NATO air strikes on the Serb military and police forces were in defense of peace, the prevention of genocide, the forced eviction of the population, the destruction of life and property of the citizens of Kosovo.
Global powers intervene in attempt to quell the bloodshed and implement an imperfect ceasefire stalemate. Eventually, events on the ground overtake the status quo and a new country unilaterally declares independence. A majority of United Nations members, but not all, recognise the independence of this new country – while others persist in denying the new reality for years.
Serbian War Crimes Prosecutor Vladimir Vukcevic speaks to ‘Novosti’ about the investigation against the former director of the Military-Security Agency and accusations against the Chief of the General Staff of Serbian Armed Forces. Our prosecution also deals with the crime in Meje near Djakovica/Gjakovë, and we have some findings and possible perpetrators.
The paper reports that statement of Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hashim Thaci, that Kosovo will file a lawsuit against Serbia for war reparations, was considered as delayed, depressing and hardly feasible. For 15 years, Kosovo has not undertaken a single step that would put Serbia in front of justice for the crimes committed and for the material damages in Kosovo.