Press Release . Communiqué de presse
(Exclusively for the use of the media. Not an official document)

CC/PIU/378-E
The Hague, 16 January 1999

KOSOVO: STATEMENT BY JUSTICE LOUISE ARBOUR, PROSECUTOR OF THE ICTY

I have launched an investigation into the most recent massacre in Kosovo. I will lead an investigative mission in Kosovo as soon as we can assemble our team on the ground. I have spoken to Ambassador Walker and sought his assistance.

In my recent discussions with the Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Mr. Knezevic, I indicated to him that any claim on his part that the ICTY has no jurisdiction in Kosovo is a legal question for the Judges of the ICTY to decide and that, if necessary, I will initiate proceedings to permit an early resolution of that issue. The Security Council has unequivocally called on my office to investigate allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Kosovo.

In light of the information publicly available, the recent massacre of civilians falls squarely within the mandate of the ICTY, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is required to grant access to investigators from my office. I call on the FRY authorities to facilitate our immediate access to the site.