UNMIK/PR/192
PRISTINA—Following today's meeting of the Interim Administrative Council, Dr. Bernard Kouchner, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, expressed his outrage at the local newspaper Koha Ditore over an article published on Sunday containing allegations against the outgoing Regional Administrator for Mitrovica, Mario Morcone.
"I am furious about the story Koha Ditore published about my man," Kouchner told the media. "It was based on an anonymous source, and it was completely untrue."
"Mr. Morcone was a very good administrator in Mitrovica. He left because his mandate ended on 15 March. And not only is he not corrupt, but he did a very good job. To go on to democracy, we have to be very careful about what is said publicly about people. This is the first time that I am absolutely furious at the media, at this 'freedom of insult.' This is also an insult to UNMIK, and I want reparation."
The IAC had a lengthy discussion about the role of the media in the upcoming campaign for municipal elections. Members stressed the need for fair coverage and a well-informed electorate.
Dr. Kouchner briefed the IAC on his 6 March meeting with the United Nations Security Council, during which he received approval to proceed with municipal elections later this year. He said that he also opened a discussion with the Security Council on the legal framework for Kosovo-wide elections at some later date. The SRSG informed the IAC of his invitation to Security Council members to visit Kosovo.
The IAC also named a Kosovo co-head for the Department of Sport: he is Mr. Zenun Pajaziti of the LBD party.