UNMIK/PR/1625
PRISTINA – Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Rücker would like to convey the following message for the people of Kosovo on the occasion of the upcoming holiday of Kurban Bajram and the new year:
“On behalf of everyone in UNMIK, I would like to congratulate all of Kosovo’s Muslims on the occasion of Kurban Bajram. As it coincides this time with new year’s eve, I trust Kurban Bajram and its spirit of generosity, tolerance and charity will add a special flavour to the festivities as people of all faiths in Kosovo join family and friends in celebrations.
As we enter a new year, I would like to first pause for a moment and reflect on 2006. It was a year of enormous challenges, but also a year of unity and great progress for Kosovo.
We have come a long way in the status process led by Special Envoy Ahtisaari. We have not reached the finish line yet, but I am confident that we will stick together and keep Kosovo on track as we reach the culmination of this process. 2006 has also been a year of accomplishment for Kosovo, particularly in Standards implementation, as I recently reported to the Security Council.
And it has been a year of economic growth for Kosovo. The economy has grown by almost 5 percent, much higher than predicted at the beginning of the year. For the first time, this growth is driven by the private sector. Of course, this growth is not sufficient yet to reduce unemployment and we have to work even harder. Important steps have been taken to attract foreign direct investment to Kosovo, especially in the energy sector, where we need it most.
We will also continue our work to bring a successful conclusion to UNMIK’s mission, by planning an orderly transition from international administration, to the institutions set up under the final status.
Everything we do continues to be a partnership between internationals, our partners in the PISG and you, the people of Kosovo. It is this partnership that gives me confidence that we will overcome the challenges ahead, and keep Kosovo secure and a home to all of its people.
In this spirit, I would like to extend to all of you my best wishes for a happy and healthy 2007!”