UNMIK/PR/1569
PRISTINA - As part of ongoing efforts to ensure the fair resolution of property rights UNMIK inaugurated the Supervisory Board of the Kosovo Property Agency (KPA). The meeting was chaired by Principal Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (PDSRSG) Steve Schook.
The KPA is mandated under UNMIK Regulation 2006/10 to resolve claims relating to private immovable property, including agricultural land and commercial property, arising out of the 1999 armed conflict. The creation of the Supervisory Board to oversee the work of the KPA marks a very significant development as it effectively places property rights issues at the centre of planning and policy. PDSRSG in his opening speech underlined the challenges which the Supervisory Board had to face.
“The members of the Board will effectively become the stewards of the KPA process. Your stewardship will require you to provide the KPA with administrative oversight, overall direction and policy guidance, with the aim of ensuring that the KPA achieves its goals and objectives. I know that nobody here underestimates the size and complexity of the challenges ahead. While there is much work to be done over the coming months, your efforts and commitment will make a real contribution to bringing about a peaceful and prosperous future for Kosovo,” said the PDSRSG.
The resolution of property issues is central to the attainment of the Property Standard (Standard VI) of the Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan and this in turn is an integral part of the European Partnership Action Plan. Property rights have featured high on the agenda of the UNOSEK, Kosovo’s governing institutions, the Contact Group, the European Union and the World Bank.
PDSRSG appealed to the Members of the Supervisory Board to steer towards a working environment conducive to progress, problem solving and innovative thinking.
“We are in the unique situation that we may make a difference. I am confident that with the personalities around this table the Board will be able to see this process through to a rapid and successful end,” said the PDSRSG.
The members of the Board who were appointed by the SRSG are Mr. Steven Schook (also designated as the Chairperson), Mr. Ardian Gjini, Mr. Milorad Todorovic, Mr. Kirk McBride (US Liaison Office) and Mr. David Blunt (UK Liaison Office in Pristina).