UNMIK/PR/1160
PRISTINA - SRSG Harri Holkeri met today in Belgrade with Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica.
Mr. Holkeri presented UNMIK’s assessment of recent events and the current security situation. He stressed that the international community’s current priority is to bring the organizers of the violence to justice, noting that more than 140 arrests have already been made in connection with the riots.
The SRSG provided an overview of measures by UNMIK and KFOR to improve security, including increased patrols in areas where minority communities live. UNMIK Police and KFOR are also working to provide security for abandoned houses and villages.
Mr. Holkeri described efforts underway to address the immediate humanitarian relief needs created by the violence, both for the newly displaced and the remaining members of communities.
He spoke about measures taken to repair the damage done, including the Fund for Reconstruction established by the Kosovo Provisional Government. The SRSG made clear UNMIK’s commitment that all reconstruction efforts be transparent, comprehensive and sufficiently funded. He repeated UNMIK’s pledge to see that all churches and monasteries damaged or destroyed be rebuilt, in co operation with international cultural experts and the Serbian Orthodox Church.
After his meeting with the Prime Minister, the SRSG met with the Contact Group ambassadors and EU Presidency.