UNMIK/PR/1187
PRISTINA - SRSG Harri Holkeri announced his intention to resign from his post at a press conference in Helsinki today. He said he had taken the decision on medical advice and in consultation with Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
SRSG Holkeri is expected to return to Pristina soon to finalize his Mission and make farewell calls on Kosovo’s leaders.
The SRSG stressed that his decision was made solely on health reasons.
He said in Kosovo the international community faces manifold challenges which should be resolved in cooperation with the local authorities. He said much needs to be done in the areas of Standards implementation, economy, decentralization, multi-ethnicity in Kosovo and reconstruction of Serbian houses and religious places, destroyed in the March riots.
While deploring the March riots as a tremendous step back, he hoped that Kosovo’s problems would be resolved and it would be dropped from the list of international trouble spots.
Paying tribute to Mr. Holkeri, PDSRSG Charles Brayshaw said “in his nearly 10 months in Kosovo, the SRSG has shown the way in building a true partnership with the PISG. He has led the mission with dedication, commitment, and a strong desire to assist Kosovo in overcoming the conflicts of the past. During his tenure he successfully launched the ‘Standards for Kosovo’ as the basis for this goal, the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan to make it a reality, and the direct dialogue with Belgrade as the basis for peaceful relations of Kosovo in this region.”
UNMIK reaffirms its commitment to implementing its mandate of UN Security Council Resolution 1244. UNMIK will continue working closely with the Kosovo authorities and all communities to implement the “Standards for Kosovo”. Successful implementation of this process still depends on the joint efforts of the UNMIK and the people and leaders of Kosovo.