August 14, 2003

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

Statement By Tom Casey, Acting Spokesman

SHOOTING OF YOUTHS IN KOSOVO

The United States condemns the fatal shooting yesterday of two youths in Kosovo and the wounding of four others. Those who committed this atrocity against innocent young people are enemies of peace in Kosovo, and threats to all the United States and the international community are trying to achieve there.

By targeting young people and their potential to build a better Kosovo, free from the violence of the past, they attacked Kosovo's future itself.

The United States Government extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and their communities who are today mourning their loss.