UNMIK/PR/1124
PRISTINA - SRSG Harri Holkeri and President Ibrahim Rugova today visited two returns sites at Bica and Belo Polje.
Prior to the visit, they met Klina Municipal President Rame Manaj and other municipal officials. The topics for discussion were the return of Kosovo Serb citizens to Klina and missing persons. The SRSG expressed his firm will to resolve this “painful issue” as soon as possible. Referring to the killing of two Kosovo Serbs nearby Lipjan on Thursday evening, he strongly condemned any use of violence. The SRSG said however that while the investigations were on going, nothing could be said about the motive of the crime.
Mr. Holkeri and Mr. Rugova then visited the village of Bica, where Kosovo Serbs from Klina live. The returnees expressed their wish to return to their homes. The SRSG said to the press after the meeting: “Real progress on returns is a crucial element of the “Standards for Kosovo”. Kosovo’s future depends on the Standards being achieved. The citizens of Klina must work with us to meet those standards and to build a brighter future for themselves, their children and for Kosovo.” He went on to say: “I am very pleased to be here today with President Rugova to discuss the shared responsibility of all Kosovo's authorities for returns. President Rugova’s leadership sends a compelling signal about the concrete steps that must be taken together to build Kosovo's future.”
Mr. Rugova said that the majority population of Kosovo Albanians has to ensure a safe environment for the minorities. He addressed the returnees saying: “We have to ensure and to offer you security and protection. You have to express your will to integrate into the Kosovo society.”
Then the delegation proceeded to Belo Polje, where Mr. Holkeri and Mr. Rugova met representatives of the 24 heads of families that returned to the village near Pec/Peja last summer. The returnees raised their concern about their economic situation because most of them are unemployed. Mr. Holkeri expressed his understanding and also said that he was pleased to see the progress already achieved. He said to the press: “The people from Belo Polje have committed themselves to respecting Kosovo’s institutions and the new reality of the Kosovo to which they have returned. I was most encouraged to hear from them about their strong desire to live in peace with their neighbours.”