‘These violent acts must cease’ urges top UN envoy in Kosovo in wake of bombing

The head of United Nations mission in Kosovo strongly condemned a bombing earlier today in northern Mitrovica and called for a swift and thorough investigation.

“These cowardly acts of violence are reprehensible, and they gravely jeopardize security and stability in the region,” said the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Kosovo, Farid Zarif. “These acts of violence must cease.”

The incident targeted the home of a Kosovo Serb, Nebojsa Maric, and caused extensive property damage to his house, neighbouring buildings, as well as a vehicle, according to the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) which Mr. Zarif heads.

He stressed that rule of law authorities must take effective measures to prevent such violent acts.

“I have personally received strong assurances from all sides of the debate in northern Kosovo that acts of force and intimidation will not to be tolerated,” Mr. Zarif said.

“I look to local leaders to ensure the highest degree of assistance to law enforcement. Any misguided attempt to undermine stability during the elections process should be dealt with as a matter of the highest priority.”

The UN envoy urged anyone with information about this incident to cooperate with investigators so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.