UNMIK/PR/1272
PRISTINA – Today PDSRSG Larry Rossin chaired the 22nd meeting of the Economic and Fiscal Council. The meeting focused on the budget development process 2005-2007 fiscal years and the 2004 budget Mid-Year Review.
The PDSRSG expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Finance and Economy for the enormous amount of work done and the achievements to date on these two very important budget matters.
The Ministry of Finance and Economy presented the main parameters of the medium-term budget strategy for Kosovo. The Council discussed concerns that certain priorities have not been adequately reflected in the budget proposal. Notably more work needs to be done to accommodate the anticipated cost related to the transfer of competencies in Justice and Police. In addition, the PDSRSG invited the Ministry of Finance and Economy to consider provisions for electricity imports, KTA, the creation of new ministries, and other essential expenditure needs.
The Council agreed that the 2005 Budget is a high priority and that all stakeholders should make a maximum effort to finalise the process before the end of the year.
The meeting also discussed the 2004 Budget Mid-Year Review, which has been approved by the government and recently been submitted to the SRSG. The chairman noted that he is looking forward to receive the final 2004 Budget Mid-Year Review document and confirmed the SRSG’s commitment to promulgate it without delay.