Funeral Held In Kosovo Without Incident

Following Last Week's Violence, Funeral Held In Kosovo Without Incident -- UN

Police from the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) today reported that the situation in the province is calm compared to the turmoil of the past week.

A funeral with the attendance of up to 7,000 people proceeded uninterrupted, according to UNMIK police spokesman Derek Chappell. "I am pleased to report to you that no incidents have been recorded and the situation is calm and quiet everywhere," he told reporters in Pristina, the capital.

Despite the relative tranquility, the repercussions from last week's violence continue to be felt. Peggy Hicks, Director of the Office of Returns and Communities, estimated that over 3,200 people were newly displaced as a result of the deadly ethnic clashes.

Over the past day and a half, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has provided essential supplies to those in need, including some 650 mattresses, 1,000 blankets, eight tons of food and 200 hygienic kits that each serve 1,000 people.

Asked about a probe into the alleged drowning of two teenagers which sparked the violence, UNMIK spokesperson Izabella Karlowicz said autopsies on both bodies have been conducted, an international prosecutor has been appointed to look into the case and the preliminary investigation will be held.

She added that in order to improve stability, it would be essential to bring back the rule of law, start the process of reconciliation, and ensure its continuation. "This cannot be done by UINMIK alone," she stressed. "The big part of the responsibility and making reconciliation possible is with everybody here and with the Kosovo leaders."

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