Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4928th meeting, 18 Mar. 2004, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "Security Council resolutions 1160 (1998), 1199 (1998), 1203 (1998), 1239 (1999) and 1244 (1999)"]

Strongly condemns the large-scale inter-ethnic violence in Kosovo (Serbia and Montenegro) in which many people have been killed and hundreds injured; also strongly condemns the attacks on the troops of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the personnel and sites of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK); calls on all communities in Kosovo to stop all acts of violence, to avoid further escalation and restore calm; urges the parties to refrain from irresponsible and inflammatory statements and accusations; deplores the reported deaths and injuries among the population of Kosovo as well as casualties among the Kosovo Police Service, UNMIK international civilian police, and KFOR troops; reiterates the urgent need for the authorities in Kosovo to take effective steps to enforce the rule of law, ensure proper security for all ethnic communities and bring to justice all the perpetrators of criminal acts.

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