Press Release (2002)016 6 February 2002

Statement by the NATO Secretary General NATO strongly supports the arrest of the three members of the former Kosovo Liberation Army, Latif Gashi, Naim Kadriu and Nazif Mehmeti, conducted by UNMIK, with the assistance of KFOR, on charges of committing crimes against their fellow citizens. One of the main priorities of the international community is to reestablish the rule of law as the cornerstone of a democratic society in Kosovo. Much work and resources have been invested in this task. We call on all inhabitants of Kosovo to support the prosecution of criminal acts, regardless of their perpetrators or victims. As a primary element of democracy, no citizen is exempt from the rule of law - and this applies for those arrested as well. The three arrested men will have the chance to defend themselves against the charges in a court. Should there be insufficient evidence against them, they will be released. Let there be no doubt: NATO and KFOR will not accept any intimidation from those who do not abide by the rule of law.

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