UNMIK/PR/283
PRISTINA---SRSG Bernard Kouchner today stressed that the Joint UNMIKSNC Understanding was not a formal agreement per se but simply what it was called, an understanding and its measures were temporary in nature, which would be reflected in the proposed regulation on Self-Government of Municipalities.
Speaking in the Interim Administrative Council, Dr. Kouchner underlined the fact that the provisions on security and the local community offices, contained in the Understanding were firmly within the framework of the existing structures—UNMIK Police and the municipal administration. He said other communities could also sign similar Understandings. Others Serbs could also be part of it, but right now only the Gracanica Serb National Council was the main moderate Serb party cooperating with the international community.
He rejected the idea that the Understanding would result in cantonization, saying the idea was to integrate the Serbs into the existing structures and to provide better security for them.
Dr.Kouchner clarified to the press later that he had realised that there had been a big misunderstanding. “For some Albanians it sounds like something coming back from the past. It reminds them of bad memories and I apologize for that because it was absolutely not our intention or our goal.”
SRSG reiterated that there would be no cantonization of Kosovo and no new militias will be set up. “It is an Understanding meant to give all Kosovars the same access to utilities and municipal facilities. The reality is that because of the lack of freedom of movement, they cannot go to the municipality, to get their cards or go to the hospital. This element is very clear and it is temporary in nature and this has been discussed”. He added that those involved in neighbourhood watch will not be armed. The Understanding was necessary to gain the confidence of the Serbs. He said security issues were not discussed in IAC. “Security issues are under my supervision”, he added.
Regarding the opposition to the Understanding and the consequent absence from IAC of Mr. Hashim Thaci, President of the PPK, the SRSG expressed regret that he hadn’t shown up. “I am still waiting for him and the discussions between Mr.Thaci and us will continue. His seat is open”.
The President of LBD, Mr. Rexhep Qosja, told the IAC members that he too didn’t agree with the Joint UNMIK-SNC Understanding because in his view it violated UN Security Council Resolution 1244. The LDK President Mr. Ibrahim Rugova, emphasised that the fact that what was contained in the Understanding was temporary must be reflected in the municipal regulation.
IAC continued discussions on the draft regulation on Self-Government of Municipalities. It will continue discussions on this issue on Friday.
IAC also endorsed regulation on setting up the administrative department for Democratic Governance and Civil Society.