Haxhiu: More than 1,500 people still missing, Serbia must open its archives

Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu paid tribute at the Monument to Missing Persons, together with Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Minister of Internal Affairs Xhelal Sveçla. The ceremony took place on the International Day of Persons Forcibly Disappeared during the last war in Kosovo.

In her statement, Haxhiu said that the fate of more than 1,500 people forcibly disappeared during the war remains unknown. She stressed that their families continue to wait, while for Kosovo this remains an unresolved issue until the last person is found.

“On this International Day of Persons Forcibly Disappeared during the last war in Kosovo, we stand with the families who have been waiting for answers about their loved ones for nearly three decades. More than 1,500 people forcibly disappeared have still not been found. The families’ wait continues and, for the Republic of Kosovo, this chapter will remain open until the last person is found,” Haxhiu declared.

She said that Kosovo’s institutions have not halted the search. According to her, during the past year, the remains of 30 people were discovered at 17 locations, while during the past month alone, remains belonging to at least 23 people were found in Kalludër and Jabukë in Zubin Potok.

“The search has continued without interruption. During the past year, the remains of 30 people were found at 17 locations. Meanwhile, during the past month, the remains of at least 23 people were discovered in Kalludër and Jabukë in Zubin Potok,” she said.

Haxhiu expressed gratitude to Kosovo’s institutions, praising the professionalism and care demonstrated during this sensitive process.

“I would like to thank the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo for the professionalism and dedication they have shown, particularly at these two locations, as well as at the last three locations. My thanks go to the Kosovo Police, the Prosecution, the Institute of Forensic Medicine, the Government Commission and everyone who has contributed to this sensitive process,” Haxhiu said.

The Acting President said that Serbia’s lack of cooperation remains one of the main obstacles. She reiterated her demand that Belgrade open its archives and called on international partners to exert pressure on this issue.

“The excavations show that the work is continuing, but they also highlight the major challenges linked to Serbia’s lack of cooperation. Despite our calls for Serbia to open its archives, this has still not happened. If the archives are opened, it will become known who issued the orders, who carried them out and where the bodies of the people who were killed and then buried are located. Therefore, once again I call on Serbia to open its archives, and we expect our international partners to exert pressure toward this goal,” Haxhiu said.

In conclusion, she promised that Kosovo’s institutions would continue their efforts until the fate of all missing persons is clarified.

“We will continue our work with maximum dedication until the last person is found,” Haxhiu concluded.