UNMIK/PR/164
PRISTINA--At the close of its regular meeting today, the Interim Administration Council (IAC) issued the following statement:
"The IAC urges the political parties to show responsibility and to contribute to stabilizing the security situation in Mitrovica.
"The IAC recognizes the democratic right to hold demonstrations.
" However, for security reasons, demonstrations are currently banned from parts of the city of Mitrovica.
"Regarding the demonstration march from Pristina to Mitrovica, planned for Monday 21 February, the access to the city of Mitrovica will be denied (to demonstrators), apart from a delegation which will be received at UNMIK headquarters in town."
The statement was part of the IAC's discussion today on the implementation of measures to re-establish security in Mitrovica.
Among the extraordinary measures implemented recently in the wake of the violence in Mitrovica of early February has been a strict enforcement of restrictions on public gatherings and demonstrations in Mitrovica, along with a ban on public demonstrations in certain vulnerable areas along the river, in order to protect the safety of all communities.
The IAC also continued discussions on pending regulations related to the issue of registration and elections and on the establishment of administrative departments. The Council also held further discussions on the regulation prohibiting hate speech.