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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
January 17, 1999

Condemnation of Violence and
Need for Cooperation with KVM

We condemn the further violence that has occurred this morning in the village of Racak in Kosovo, coming on the heels of the massacre of civilians in that village by Serb security forces. Today Serb security forces have returned in force to Racak, and fighting is reported to have broken out as a result. The Serb return to the area was a provocation with the predictable result of instigating these clashes.

The Serbs cite the pretext of returning to Racak to investigate the massacre of civilians. Only an impartial and international investigation of this atrocity can be credible. The ICTY has stated its readiness to do so immediately. This is the right way to investigate the massacre. No unilateral investigation by Serbian authorities can be credible under the circumstances.

The OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission has been doing outstanding and courageous work in managing the cease-fire and seeking to build compliance with the conditions set forth in UNSC resolutions and the October agreements with NATO and the OSCE. Both sides have a responsibility and a commitment to cooperate fully with the KVM and to ensure the safety of KVM personnel. Actions that put KVM personnel at risk, such as the Serb incursion in Racak this morning which was executed without proper regard for the safety of KVM verifiers present in the area, are irresponsible and unacceptable.

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