Crime in Obilić

June 5, 2003

The brutal murder of the Stolić family in Obilić is not merely another gross outburst of national and religious hatred, but also a sign that the perpetrators of this horrible act are organised supporters of the policy of ethnic cleansing of non-Albanians in Kosovo, a policy consciously organised by some forces in Kosovo and tolerated by Kosovo institutions, and, unfortunately, representatives of the international community. This is why this crime should not be perceived as a matter that can be resolved by the police alone, but should be taken as a signal to the international community to urgently revise its view of Kosovo institutions established under its auspices, and, if necessary, to replace them and entrust their powers to international bodies. If it fails to do so, incidents like this one will recur, endangering the rights of all of Kosovo’s residents and peace and security in the whole Balkans.