24 victims of plane crashed 21 years ago near Slakovci, Mitrovica

Periskopi

25 October 2020, 19:42(6 years ago)

Italy's embassy in Pristina, Italian KFOR contingent and Italian State Police have today commemorated victims of the plane crash on 12 November 1999 near the village of Slakovc, 11km from Mitrovica. At the scene of the accident, representatives of the international community commemorated the 24 victims of the tragic event, most of which were UN officials, [...]

At the scene of the accident, representatives of the international community commemorated the 24 victims of the tragic event, most of which were UN officials, police officials and humanitarian operators performing emergency shipments to help the population after the end of the Kosovo war.

In this case, Italy's ambassador to Pristina, Nicolaa Orlando, said his country would never forget the victims of this tragic case, regardless of their nationality.

We are gathered here today to commemorate 24 victims of the tragedy of Flight 3275. While half of them are Italian, the fallen came from distant and different countries like the United Kingdom, Kenya, Ireland, Spain, Bangladesh, Australia, Iraq, Germany, and Canada. With different goals and backgrounds, all were united in the mission to help the people of Kosovo recover from the horrors of war. It is not their nationality today, but their determination to help needy people after that catastrophic conflict, for which they pay the highest price in the name of their values. It's the same values that these days we support by celebrating the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. Remembering them, we express our eternal gratitude to all those who go on in their footsteps worldwide, devoting their lives to peace, security, and assistance to those in need. This is the best side of humanity, which joins in the name of multilatheralism, to support each other in the hour of need,” said the Italian diplomat.

KFOR Commander General Michele Reese said that even after 21 years, the sacrifice of these young men and women has not been forgotten, and their commitment will remain an example for civilians and military officers who decide to dedicate their lives to people in need.

“May they rest in peace and their values continue to guide us all as we try to support Kosovo and the region on a path to peace and stability,” he said.

Representatives of the Italian Embassy in Pristina, Italian Armed Forces, Carabinieri, Italian State Police in EULEX and the United Nations participated in the event.

Remembered victims are:

1. Bazoni, Roberto '{0}' Italy, Caritas Serdenya

2. Biocca, Paola, Italy, WFP

3. Curry, Andrea Ireland, GOAL

4. Davoli, Velmore Italy, GVC

5. Evens, Nicolas Ian Philip United Kingdom, Tear fund

6. Faisal, Abdulla '% Kenya, UNV

7. Gavino, Marco Italy, UNMIK

8. Lai, Kevin United Kingdom, Tearund

9. Lewis, Raffaella Italy, Boyden

10. Martinez-Vasquez, Miguel Spain, UNMIK

11. Martinez, Jose Maria Spain, UNMIK