UNMIK/PR/893
Pristina/Prishtinë
SRSG Michael Steiner:
Good morning. I am very pleased to have this press conference after the visit of the Security Council to Kosovo.
We were very happy that the Security Council, despite all of its important tasks, came to Kosovo to see the situation for themselves and expressed an interest in the developments here.
I feel supported in the work of the mission. It is good to have you here.
Ambassador Ole Peter Kolby:
The Security Council has found this to be a very useful visit. As you know, we were here a year and a half ago, and it was time for us to update ourselves on the situation.
You all heard the speech I made on Saturday on behalf of the Security Council members. The message of the Security Council has been consistent. What we have seen here in Kosovo underscores the validity of this message.
But I have to say that, compared to what we saw here eighteen months ago, there has been substantial progress. The establishment of institutions is a major step forward, and the security situation has improved significantly. The Kosovo Police Service is taking on increasing responsibility for law and order. The returns process is underway, albeit on a small scale, and the process of privatization is on track.
We are very impressed by the work of UNMIK and KFOR, as well as the dedication shown by local political leaders. It is very important that this work continue.
The first steps have been taken, but more remains to be done. This is vital if Kosovo is to become a multiethnic and democratic society.
Questions and Answers
AP:
What you are saying today is completely different from what you said Saturday, which was quite bleak. Why suddenly is everything on track?
Ambassador Kolby:
I stand by what I said Saturday, and this was my introduction here, and you have my speech. It still stands.
But what has perhaps not been reflected is that there has been progress. What we want to focus on is not only progress. We wanted to deliver a message on the way forward and on what needs to be done.
The speech yesterday was directed at the local leaders here in Kosovo. It is about what they need to do to move forward.
BBC Serbian:
Are we going to have any amendments to Resolution 1244, and what will be your message to Belgrade?
Ambassador Kolby:
The message to Belgrade will be the purpose of our visit there, and we found it useful to go to Belgrade after our visit here.
We will explain in Belgrade what we have seen here and the messages we have conveyed in Kosovo. Then we will discuss the relationship with Belgrade.
One message we will deliver is that we will not accept parallel structures in Kosovo.
No, there will be no amendments to Resolution 1244.
Contact Radio (Serbian):
You talk of successes. Do you know there are more than 2,000 missing people who have not been found and 200 religious buildings destroyed?
Ambassador Kolby:
We are saying that progress has been made. There is no doubt about that.
But, as I said, a great deal remains to be done, and there is no doubt about that either.
We are aware of the fact that there are many missing persons, and this issue is very much on our minds. We, along with UNMIK, will continue to focus on the question of missing persons.
This is one of the many issues that needs to be resolved. So rest assured about that.
AP:
Mr. Kolby, are you happy with the cooperation with KFOR? Do you think this cooperation is on the right track, and what did KFOR tell you?
Ambassador Kolby:
Yes, we met with KFOR yesterday, and our delegation is satisfied with the cooperation with KFOR and the fact that KFOR is working closely with UNMIK.
These two organizations go together, and they work well together. We believe their continued presence here is very important.
