UNMIK/PR/753
- Today marks a special occasion: the third anniversary of the arrival of UNMIK and KFOR, symbolizing the international community’s commitment to transforming Kosovo into a respectful and democratic society. We have much to be proud of.
- There are clear signs of ongoing reconstruction and tremendous personal initiative. This progress reflects both the efforts of the people of Kosovo and the more than $2 billion committed by international donors, primarily the European Union.
- Kosovo no longer relies solely on donations. Of this year’s €374 million Kosovo Consolidated Budget, 93 percent is generated through local revenues, with only 7 percent coming from donors.
- Approximately 420,000 children are attending nearly 1,200 schools, while around 15,000 students are pursuing higher education at two universities.
- The crime rate has fallen dramatically, from 245 murders in 2000, to 118 in 2001, to only 30 so far in the first half of this year. Of this year’s victims, 29 were Kosovo Albanians and one was a Kosovo Serb.
- Although much remains to be done to ensure security and human rights for all minority communities, the situation has begun to improve.
- According to UNHCR, 4,000 displaced minority residents have returned to Kosovo. A policy on sustainable returns has been established to encourage many more to come home.
- As of this week, a senior adviser for returns, a former member of the Kosovo Assembly, has joined my office and begun work. The Government also has a Serb coordinator for returns.
- We have begun a serious effort to combat organized crime and corruption.
- You know that my motto is zero tolerance for crime.
- We now have approximately 350 judges and prosecutors, and we are close to recruiting 40 Kosovo Serbs to help make the judiciary truly multiethnic.
- The Government is prepared to begin paying pensions on 1 July, for the first time in three years, once the Assembly promulgates the draft law.
- We have issued 220,000 travel documents. Although challenges remain with some neighbouring countries and Serbia, passenger traffic through Pristina Airport is expected to reach one million this year, representing a 25 percent increase over last year and a 100 percent increase since 1999.
- Communications have improved significantly. In 1999, approximately 90,000 people had access to telephone services, limited to local calls. Today, more than 300,000 people have telephone access enabling communication throughout Kosovo and internationally.
- These are some of the positive developments. However, significant work remains ahead:
- We must enable the return of greater numbers of displaced persons.
- There continue to be unacceptable cases of desecration.
- We must strengthen the economy and create opportunities for all of Kosovo’s people to enjoy decent livelihoods.
- Parallel structures must give way to an effective and unified administrative structure throughout Kosovo.
- As you know, I have consistently said “Standards before Status.” I am pleased that both the Security Council and the Assembly of Kosovo have endorsed the eight benchmarks. These include functioning democratic institutions, the rule of law, freedom of movement, returns, economic development, and other key areas.
- Only when we are satisfied that these requirements have been sufficiently fulfilled can we begin to address the question of Kosovo’s status.
- I do not know what Kosovo’s final status will be, but I know what it will not be:
- No return to the situation before 1999.
- No partition.
- Kosovo will be a multiethnic society on its path toward Europe.
- However, I have not yet mentioned the most visible achievement of this year. Today, we have completed the formation of a multiethnic Government. It is a happy coincidence that, on the third anniversary of the arrival of the international community in Kosovo, the Government has taken the Oath of Office as prescribed by law.
- Before coming here, I officially forwarded to the Assembly of Kosovo the signed Oath of Office document endorsed by all members of the Government.
- In summary, we have reason to celebrate. Now, however, we must get down to work.
