NEWS

Information Service of
the Serbian Orthodox Church
March 21, 2004

NO EVIDENCE WHATSOEVER THAT SERBS WERE INVOLEVED IN DROWNING OF ALBANIAN CHILDREN

We are enclosing again the official statement by the UNMIK police Spokesman Derek Chapel on drowning of K/Albanian children (press report from March 17, 2004, a day after the tragedy).

UNMIK police report, March 17, 2004, Pristina

The tragic case of the children lost in the River Ibar in Mitrovice continues to unfold today.

Police were first informed of the possible drowning at 6 pm yesterday evening. A child had returned home and told their parents that at about 3:30 PM, near the village of Zubce, he and three other children had entered the river and had immediately got into difficulty in the water. He had reached the other side but his three friends had been swept away and lost as they attempted to cross the river.

Police responded immediately and began a search of the river, starting from the point where the children entered the water and continuing downstream.

All elements of the police were involved with support from KFOR. The search continued through the night and at 2345 last night, 16 March, the first body was recovered.
Twelve year old Egzon DELIU was found about 200 metres downstream.

At 0630 today, 17 March, a second body was found, about 400 metres downstream from the point of entry.
We are continuing to search for the body of the third victim, believed to be nine years of age.
Our thoughts and our deep sorrow is extended to the families of the victims.