UNMIK/PR/1621
PRISTINA – The KPC hosted a Standard 8 Implementation Review Meeting today, in which KPC progress towards implementation of Standard 8 was presented by the KPC Coordinator, Major General Steirn CBE, the KPC Commander, Lieutenant General Selimi, and the KFOR Deputy Commander, Major General Bernardini.
Major General Steirn commended the KPC and its leadership for the efforts and progress made in the implementation of Standard 8 throughout 2006, particularly reaching out to, recruiting and supporting ethnic minorities. “The KPC has set a positive example to other institutions in its efforts to reach out to minorities and become a multi-ethnic and professional organisation,” Major General Steirn said. “Similarly impressive is the KPC’s implementation of humanitarian and reconstruction projects for all communities across Kosovo, notably Svinjarë/Svinjare.” Major General Steirn congratulated the KPC for its work in Svinjarë/Svinjare to repair and reconstruct properties damaged in March 2004 and informed the meeting that the Svinjarë/Svinjare Decision Making Board would convene tomorrow to determine whether the task as outlined by the Contact Group could be considered as fulfilled to all extent possible.
The KPC’s disciplinary record was also commended as was progress towards the full operational capability of the KPC’s Civil Protection Brigade. The developing KPC demining capacity was also applauded and Major General Steirn informed those present of the recommendation for the KPC to assume full responsibility for all mine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance from late 2007, which came from recent independent assessments by the UN Mine Action Service and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining and was endorsed by the KPC Development Group (KPCDG), co-chaired by the SRSG and COMKFOR, on 25 October.
Major General Bernardini gave an overview of KFOR’s recent Kosovo-wide assessment of Standard 8 implementation by the KPC, which signalled overall positive and significant progress, particularly regarding compliance with the rule of law, ethnic minority outreach and recruitment and implementation of humanitarian and reconstruction projects. Major General Steirn and Major General Bernardini both highlighted where further progress could be made, particularly in enhancing the management and training capacity of the KPC and further professionalisation.
Lieutenant General Selimi detailed the progress the KPC has made in the implementation of Standard 8, highlighting the increasing number of applications to join the KPC from ethnic minorities and the increasing requests from communities and local and international authorities throughout Kosovo for KPC’s services, particularly in the field of reconstruction and humanitarian support for ethnic minority communities, where KPC’s engagement can contribute to rebuilding trust between communities as well as the physical means to enable sustainable return, for instance. Lieutenant General Selimi also highlighted KPC’s efforts in the field of gender equality and also in training future leaders and broadening the training support provided to its members, thanking KFOR for the valuable support it provides in this regard.
Concerning the future, Lieutenant General Selimi said “We remain committed to continued and robust implementation of Standard 8, especially the priorities concerning ethnic minorities in an endeavour to generate their trust and confidence that they have a place in the KPC, in Kosovo, and its future.” In conclusion he asked for the continued support of those present and thanked everyone who had worked with and supported the KPC throughout the year in the implementation of Standard 8 and its work throughout Kosovo.