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

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
March 26, 1999

U.S. Condemns Latest Instances of Serbian Repression

The United States is alarmed by reports of an escalating pattern of Serbian attacks on Kosovo Albanian civilians. For example, we have received reports that yesterday, Serbian forces executed 20 ethnic Albanians in the village of Goden. Also yesterday, Serbian security forces reportedly attacked civilians in the Podujevo area, and there are ominous indications that men of fighting age were separated from their families.

The United States Government wants to send a clear message to those responsible for the actions of the Yugoslav Army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs that the United States is using national technical means to watch unfolding events in Kosovo. We will continue to work with the Prosecutor of the Inter-national Tribunal to assist her efforts to prosecute anyone responsible for ordering and carrying out war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide in Kosovo.

The United States also reminds those responsible for the actions of the Yugoslav Army and the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kosovo that attacks directed against the civilian population, the summary execution of detained persons, and wanton destruction or devastation not justified by military necessity are war crimes under international law. War crimes, along with genocide and crimes against humanity, that may be committed in Kosovo are within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Such crimes have no statute of limitations. Commanding officers and political leaders can be held responsible for the actions of their subordinates. This is spelled out in the Statute of the Tribunal, adopted by the United Nations Security Council in May 1993.

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