UNMIK/PR/1398
PRISTINA – UNMIK welcomes the initiative of the Kosovo Government, taken in the proper exercise of its competencies under the Constitutional Framework, to restore lawful governance at the University of Pristina.
The Administrative Directive issued on 26 July by the Minister of Education, Science and Technology sets out a concrete, workable plan of action which should restore legality and provide much-needed stability to the University. Concern over the situation prevailing at the University of Pristina has been expressed by the European University Association, UNMIK, Contact Group members and many other international partners of Kosovo. Without the restoration of legality, there is a real risk that the University will lose its accreditation when it expires on 31 August 2005.
PDSRSG Larry Rossin congratulated the Government on its timely initiative and expressed UNMIK's full support. He remarked that "this important decision makes it possible to restore legal order in a key Kosovo institution. It will allow professors and students alike to give their undivided attention to the pursuit of academic excellence, while assuring that the credentials they earn will be recognized beyond Kosovo's boundaries. The decision is an essential first step to laying the groundwork for reforms that will enable the highest academic standards and the full integration of the University of Pristina into the wider family of European institutions of higher learning. We look forward to its full and transparent implementation as soon as possible to ensure the University's uninterrupted accreditation."
The PDSRSG paid special tribute to the Austrian Liaison Office in Pristina, which has played a leading role in facilitating the process leading to this important decision.