UNMIK/PR/166
Pristina--The Interim Administrative Council today issued the following statement, which was read to the press by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bernard Kouchner, following the IAC's regular meeting.
"A political solution to the situation in Mitrovica is of utmost importance. We underline our commitment to work for a united Mitrovica in a united Kosovo within the framework of the IAC. In order to achieve this, we consider that after the consolidation of public order through increased security measures by UNMIK and KFOR, stable foundations for co-existence have to be laid.
"In this respect, we consider that we have to transform Mitrovica into a 'United City,' without any dividing lines. In particular, we have to prevent any further expulsions on either side of the city, protect the property of those displaced, facilitate freedom of movement in both directions, and enable the safe return of all those who have fled their homes in Mitrovica, including Serbs from the South.
"We want to enable the Serb population in Mitrovica to stay and lead a normal and peaceful life. In this respect, we understand that a 'United City' can only be achieved through a gradual process in which the rights and the security of all national communities have to be respected."
SRSG Kouchner went on to say that the statement was a "very important political, humane and respectful statement coming from Mr. Thaci, Mr. Rugova and Mr. Qosja and the international members" of the IAC.
"It comes after the Mitrovica demonstration which was important, because no violence was used," Kouchner said. "Next time we must organize it differently. This is not only my view, but also the Albanians'."
Following the meeting, Kouchner discussed other measures from his strategy for Mitrovica, including: a joint administration for Mitrovica, with its own special administrator, agreed to in principle earlier by Serbs and Albanians, a project the SRSG plans to get personally involved in creating.
He also described his idea for a "Mitrovica Appeal"--a call to the international community for assistance to Mitrovica, in terms of money to create jobs, and in terms of mass awareness of the problems the town faces.
He reiterated his plan to create work, as an environment where Serbs and Albanians can co-exist, first by the revival of three to four small industries in Mitrovica, as well as the Trepce mining complex.
He also discussed the construction of a footbridge across the Ibar river, linking the southern side of the city with an apartment block on the northern bank where predominantly Albanians had lived. KFOR engineers plan to construct it within the next 2-3 weeks.
Asked by media whether he would abolish "parallel structures" set up by Serbs in northern Mitrovica, Kouchner answered in the affirmative, but he added that "We must challenge the parallel structure by helping Serbs in a better way. This comes back to money. We are working on a 'Mitrovica appeal' for the international community, a package of money and understanding."
"I understand that the Serbs are scared, and we have to work on building their confidence," Kouchner went on to say. This will be accomplished through protection, through resettlement in their homes, through assistance to business and creation of jobs and work, he said.
In other business, the IAC finalized the regulations setting up the first four administrative departments of the Joint Interim Administrative Structure. Already operating, but now to be established legally are the Departments of Education, Health & Welfare, Local Administration and Central Fiscal Authority.
SRSG Kouchner is expected to sign the four regulations this week, following approval of the final versions by the United Nations legal office in New York. Fifteen other departments remain to be confirmed by regulations, although co-heads have been named for most.
The IAC then discussed the status of premises to which the 19 departments must move and the urgent need for additional office space. Two departments--Education & Science and Health & Social Security--moved into new offices of the Eximkos Building in Pristina yesterday. Repairs to the Pristina University Economics Faculty, which will house other departments, have started. Repairs to other damaged buildings are being assessed.
DSRSGs Daan Everts and Tom Koenigs briefed the IAC on progress in formulating plans for a Central Election Commission. Discussions scheduled on preparations for elections were postponed for the Friday meeting.