Russian Commanding Officer of UN's Peacemaking Police Force in Kosovo Dismissed

Valery Korotenko, a citizen of Russia, has been dismissed as the commanding officer of UN's peacemaking police force in Kosovo. This is according to the temporary press centre of the UN in Prishtina. Allegedly, Mr. Korotenko is accused of taking large bribes.

In the meantime, Russia's military say the accusation is trumped up by local Albanians who 'hate Mr. Korotenko for his open pro-Serbian orientation'. Mr. Korotenko occupied the post since the year 2000. Local Serbian community members say it was his interference alone that allowed to decrease the number of victims during clashes between the Albanian Army for the Liberation of Kosovo and peaceful local Serbs who were forced to defend themselves.

The Serbian community intends to appeal Mr. Korotenko's dismissal in the International Court.