Twenty-six years ago, William Walker, then Head of the OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission, was the first to alert the world about the crimes against humanity unfolding in Reçak.
Nearly three decades later, the ambassador returned to the once little-known village, where he paid tribute at the Reçak Memorial Complex.
Speaking at the commemoration, Walker expressed amazement at the increasing number of visitors who now honor the victims.
“Every year, I am inspired by the number of people coming here from all over the country. What used to be a commemorative ceremony organized mainly by the Municipality of Shtime has now transformed into a gathering of people from all over Kosovo—and, I assume, from around the world. I thank you for covering this event, wish everyone a very happy day, and extend my best wishes to the people of Kosovo for a Happy New Year. Thank you very much,” Walker stated.
The Reçak Massacre, which occurred on the morning of January 15, 1999, saw the brutal murder of children, women, and the elderly. This atrocity shocked the international community, prompting NATO to launch airstrikes against Serbian military and police targets.
The 78-day NATO campaign ended on June 10, 1999, with the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. This marked the beginning of the return of over 800,000 forcibly displaced Kosovo Albanians to their homes.
