UNMIK/PR/1616
PRISTINA – The Strategic Group on Transition met today under the chairmanship of Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Joachim Rücker, bringing together UNMIK, the Political Group of the Team of Unity, representatives of the International Civilian Office Preparation Team and the European Union Planning Team.
The Group discussed progress in the five existing technical transition working groups: civil administration, rule of law, economy and property, legislation and governance. It also discussed next steps in the formation of working groups on constitutional issues and elections, as well as on communication and public outreach.
“UNMIK and its partners, in particular the Government, need to engage in prudent and responsible transition planning,” said the SRSG. “We need to accelerate our planning so that we can ensure a smooth handover once the time comes.”
When UNMIK’s mandate comes to an end, the mission will have to hand over all of its responsibilities to the future authorities determined in the status settlement and by the Security Council. The process of transferring authority is foreseen in UNMIK’s mandate under UNSCR 1244.