On the occasion of the International Day of Forcibly Disappeared Persons, the Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, commemorated over 1,500 people who are still missing during the last war in Kosovo and expressed solidarity with the families who have been waiting for nearly three decades to learn about the fate of their loved ones.
Acting President Haxhiu emphasized that clarifying the fate of each missing person remains the responsibility of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo and that this issue cannot be considered closed until the very last person is found.
She announced that during the last year alone, the mortal remains of 30 people have been found in 17 locations, while during the last month, in Kalludër and Jabukë in Zubin Potok, the mortal remains of at least 23 people have been found.
“I would like to thank the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo for the professionalism and care shown in this very sensitive process, especially in the recent investigations. The Kosovo Police, the Prosecution, the Institute of Forensic Medicine, the Government Commission and all those who are supporting this important work”, said Acting President Haxhiu.
According to her, the latest findings show that the investigations are continuing, but at the same time highlight the difficulties created by the lack of cooperation from Serbia.
Acting President Haxhiu once again called on Serbia to open the archives related to the crimes committed during the war in Kosovo, emphasizing that the documentation of Serbian institutions can help in determining the chain of command and in finding the places where the killed and forcibly disappeared individuals are buried.
She also called on international partners to increase the demand on Serbia to open these archives.
“We will continue our work with maximum dedication until the last person is found,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
