UNMIK/PR/114
Prizren – Bernard Kouchner, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, visited Prizren today where he toured the newly refurbished prison and met with members of the Prizren Provisional Municipal Council.
The prison currently houses 66 inmates and can hold up to 120 people. The SRSG said that the prison was an important sign that the judicial process was working in Kosovo. In order to improve law and order, Dr. Kouchner also said that he was appointing more than 400 prosecutors, judges and lay judges to improve the efficient operation of the judiciary in the region.
“I’m very happy to see the cooperation of the staff here at the prison. There is a feeling that the prisoners are being treated humanely,” said Dr. Kouchner after touring the jail. “This is one of the best jails I’ve ever seen. Clearly the people are being well treated.”
The SRSG then addressed the Prizren Municipal Council at the UN headquarters. He told the members that he wanted to work with them to form a joint administration.
“I hope that Kosovars will work with UNMIK on an interim administrative council,” the SRSG said. “Everyone will share in the administration of Kosovo. That is the first step towards democracy.”
Dr. Kouchner said although it may be too early for Kosovars to embrace the idea of reconciliation, he hoped that they could work together cooperatively. One of the first steps, he said, would be restarting work at the Trepca mines.
