UNMIK/PR/1264
PRISTINA –The SRSG Søren Jessen-Petersen is meeting with political leaders today and will inform them about the decision to move ahead with the creation of new ministries in the areas of energy, local self-government, and returns and communities. He will also inform them about his agreement with their proposal to establish the posts of deputy prime minister and deputy ministers.
The SRSG stressed that new competences of the PISG, as well as existing competences, must be exercised in a fully responsible and accountable manner. A commitment from the government to do so is an integral part of the transfers.
He reiterated that the transfer of competences would have to be accompanied by comprehensive capacity-building of the PISG. Improved government accountability and capacity will be an important step forward in enabling Kosovo to meet the priority standards ahead of the planned mid-2005 review.
The SRSG will also discuss with political leaders the intention to proceed with further transfer of competences, particularly in the area of the economy, once the new government is formed.
The SRSG underscored that a strong partnership will continue in the non-transferred areas to ensure further full engagement of the PISG.