Bomb Blast Kills Two In Kosovo’s Capital

by Jason Green
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

PRISTINA – Two people were killed and eleven were injured when a bomb exploded Monday in Pristina.  The blast occurred at approximately 2:10 near Bill Clinton Boulevard, a popular business and shopping district. 

Officials comment that at this time, it is too early to know the motive or identity of the perpetrator(s).  Police spokesman Veton Elshani gave a statement to the press reporting that, “We do not know the motive for the moment and we do not know who would stand behind this explosion.”  He did offer, however, that “Police are not ruling out anything, but it seems it [the blast] is more likely related to crime.” 

Authorities suspect that the explosion is part of a war between rivaling criminal gangs. 

Nevertheless, it is possible that the blast may be related to negotiations between Serbia and Albania that are scheduled to take place in New York on Friday.  The two sides are to meet to discuss the future of the region.  The talks are slated to be moderated by representatives from the United States, Russia, and the European Union. 

Kosovo has been protected by the UN since Serbian and Albanian forces fought to control the province in 1999.  Talks between the two sides have proven unsuccessful over the last 8 years.  The U.N. has imposed a deadline of December 10, 2007, to conclude these negotiations. 

The United States has indicated that it will recognize an independent Kosovo next year.  It is unlikely, however, that Russia will follow suit.  Russian officials wish to maintain Serbia’s current borders, and to keep them inclusive of the Kosovo region.  Some speculate that the blast may be an effort to sway the talks this week.    

The European Union today called for a swift investigation to uncover the perpetrators of this attack. More information will likely become available in the next couple of days. 

For more information, please see:

BBC – Deadly Blast hits Kosovo capital – 24 September 2007

Guardian Unlimited – Kosovo bomb blast kills two – 24 September 2007

The Washington Post (Reuters) – Blast kills two in apparent criminal Kosovo attack – 24 September 2007

RIA Novosti – EU calls for speedy investigation of deadly Kosovo blast – 25 September 2007