UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Expresses Concern Over Revenge and Violence in Kosovo

Strategic Insights -

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has expressed great concern over the "systematic policy of revenge and attack" in Kosovo, calling for an end to violence and tolerance. Annan, who is meeting with Bosnian leaders to strengthen the rule of law and form a multi-ethnic society, will visit Kosovo on Wednesday to assess the situation. The UN official killed in Kosovo on Monday was reportedly beaten to death by locals who mistook him for a Serbian, highlighting the dangers faced by UN staff in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN is concerned about the "systematic policy of revenge and attack" in Kosovo, and has appealed for an end to violence and tolerance.
  • Annan met with Bosnian leaders to discuss strengthening the rule of law and forming a multi-ethnic society.
  • A UN official, Valentin S. Krumov, was killed in Kosovo on Monday, reportedly beaten to death by locals who mistook him for a Serbian.
  • The killing highlights the dangers faced by UN staff in the region, and underscores the need for greater security measures.
  • Annan supports sending humanitarian aid to Serbia, which is facing 30-40% shortages in electricity this winter, leaving many without heat or water.
  • The country has the largest number of refugees in Europe, with 700,000 Serbian refugees from various wars in need of assistance.
  • The European Union has agreed to give humanitarian assistance to only a few cities in Serbia.

Statistics:

  • 30-40%: the anticipated shortages in electricity in Serbia this winter.
  • 700,000: the number of Serbian refugees in need of assistance.
  • 11 weeks: the duration of the NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia.
  • 1999: the year of the conflict in Kosovo.

Sources:

  • "U.N. secretary general often expresses concern over violence in Kosovo", UPI.
  • "UN Director Says Kosovo Killings Are of Grave Concern", Belgrade radio Index.
  • "Annan Concerned About Violence in Kosovo", COMTEX.
  • "Serbia Faces 30-40% Electricity Shortages", UPI.
  • "European Union Supports Humanitarian Aid to Serbia", COMTEX.