UNMIK Administration in Mitrovica (UAM) was established by applicable law in 2002 to provide municipal services in the northern part of Mitrovica and has been financed from the Kosovo Consolidated Budget since its very inception.
Since 2011, without appropriate consultation with UNMIK, Kosovo authorities have been successively reducing the allocations for the UAM’s budget, impacting on its ability to maintain its level of public service delivery to the population. Thereafter and without prior notice to UNMIK, Kosovo authorities decided in May 2012 to establish the Mitrovica North Administrative Office (MNAO) and cease the payment of salaries of UAM local employees as of July 2012. In the absence of any indication that Kosovo authorities will resume the disbursement of salaries, UNMIK had no option but to serve a notice to all UAM local staff indicating that their contracts would not be extended beyond their expiry date of 31 December 2012.
UNMIK leadership will continue to engage with local and international stakeholders to help find practical solutions for the population and avert potential negative consequences. Meanwhile, UNMIK will ensure that the UAM continues to play its role in conflict prevention, mediation and facilitation.
Finally, UNMIK calls upon all concerned parties to refrain from any further actions which could adversely impact on security and stability in northern Mitrovica