YouSaid · the spoken record

Guehenno

lines on the record: 1,147
first: 2000-11-14
most recent: 2011-05-12
sittings or episodes: 58
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The Common Document, as the Ambassador of Yugoslavia pointed out, offers a good framework for relations not only between the United Nations and Yugoslavia, but also between the Kosovars and the authorities in Belgrade. All that now needs to be implemented and to be developed. I was briefly in Kosovo at the beginning of this month, and I made clear to the leaders of Kosovo that they now have to live up to the expectations of the international community and that their own people would not understand if the institutions that have been developed were to remain empty shells. That is really the challenge at hand now. It will require a continued and sustained effort on the part of the international community, which I think will see the participation of Kosovars in those institutions as a test.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“Mr. Guehenno: I would first like to thank the members of the Council and the representatives of Spain, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Ukraine for paying tribute to the achievements of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) under the leadership of Hans Haekkerup. Their words of appreciation will be conveyed to him. Indeed, the work that was accomplished in 2001 helped build the foundations on which we now have to work. The provisional institutions of self-government give a framework within which the various communities of Kosovo can learn to work together and to live with each other. The specific results of the election impose a compromise and that is a good thing because it is a basis for any sustainable Kosovo.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“The currency conversion from the deutsche mark to the euro proceeded smoothly. UNMIK's strategy to minimize the need for cash exchanges by encouraging the people to open bank accounts has been successful. The challenge still remains for the European Union-led pillar on economic reconstruction to solve the power problem plaguing Kosovo. While we can look back at tangible achievements, it is apparent that a great deal still needs to be accomplished with the support of this Council and the European Union, the OSCE and all the Member States contributing to UNMIK. Finally, I would like to inform the Council that the Secretary-General has taken a decision on the appointment of a new Special Representative and that a letter is on its way to the Council.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“UNMIK continues its efforts to bring the Kosovo Serbs and other minorities into the legitimate structures of the provisional institutions of self-government. The Regional Administrator in Mitrovica is establishing an UNMIK office in northern Mitrovica. A more active and robust approach by UNMIK and KFOR towards the so-called bridge-watchers has helped decrease the level of violence in northern Mitrovica and appears to have undermined some of the support for the so-called bridge-watchers. With regard to the economic reconstruction of Kosovo, several important developments have taken place. The 2002 budget was drawn up with the aim of ensuring that recurring expenditures can be met by tax revenues generated domestically. In order to make this possible, new wage and profit tax regulations have been prepared for introduction this year.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“The majority of UNMIK staff in Pristina vacated their offices in the Assembly building, and buildings were prepared to make space for the new institutions. The 20 Joint Interim Administrative Structures were consolidated into nine Transitional Departments. These Departments will become ministries as soon as a Government is formed. International staff will continue to serve in the ministries with a role progressively changing from executive to advisory. Directorates have been established for Civil Protection, Administrative Affairs, Infrastructure Affairs and Rural Affairs to discharge the powers reserved to the Special Representative. At the municipal level, UNMIK administrators have been handing over responsibility to the local authorities, including Kosovo Serbs and other members of Kosovo's minority communities.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“The inaugural Assembly session, held on 10 December 2001, was successful in constituting the Assembly and in electing a President of the Assembly. However, progress in electing the President and Prime Minister of Kosovo, and in thus forming a Government, was not made at either the 13 December 2001 or the 10 January 2002 Assembly sessions. The Assembly has not met since 10 January, and the deadlock in forming a coalition persists. UNMIK and interested members continue to impress upon the various actors the importance of an early solution to the current stalemate. UNMIK has also laid the administrative groundwork necessary to restructure its own organization to complement the eventual establishment of provisional self-government.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“The Kosovo Police Service was charged with, and has successfully executed, providing security for the Assembly members within the Assembly building. Special arrangements were made for the protection of the 22 Kosovo Serb members' travel to and from the Assembly building. Overall, the last three months had been relatively calm until the very sad incident that I have to report to the Council. On 17 January, Mr. Ismail Hajdaraj, an Assembly member of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), was murdered in the Pec region. UNMIK strongly condemned the act. On the initiative of the President of the Assembly, a commemorative ceremony was held on 19 January. UNMIK police have launched a thorough investigation into the matter. At this point, the motivation behind the killing is unclear.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“The report elaborates on some of the steps listed in the Common Document that have already been taken, including the promulgation of a regulation on transparent and non-discriminatory recruiting procedures in the Civil Service and the creation of the Office of Returns and Communities in the office of the Special Representative. UNMIK continues to work to create an environment in which Kosovo's minority communities will feel secure in participating in public life. The high level of Kosovo minority community participation in the elections is evidence of some success in this endeavour. The fact that there were no serious security incidents on election day is a tribute to the people of Kosovo and to the security elements, including the Kosovo Police Service, UNMIK police and KFOR.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“The Common Document elaborated on UNMIK's past and present efforts in creating the conditions necessary for effective participation in the provisional institutions of self-government. The Document also created a basis for a cooperative relationship with the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Common Document establishes a high-ranking working group, which will include members of the provisional institutions of self-government, thus creating direct contact between Kosovo's leaders and leaders in Belgrade. The high-ranking working group has already met once and is scheduled to meet again today.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“With the institution-building pillar of UNMIK and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the lead, the elections were well organized and executed both within and outside Kosovo. As the report points out, the elections did not result in one party having the necessary majority in the Assembly to form a Government without entering into a coalition. The focus of UNMIK's work prior to the elections had been on convincing the Kosovo Serb community that only through participation in the legitimate institutions of provisional self-government can their grievances be adequately addressed and progress be forged. The signing of the Common Document in Belgrade on 5 November 2001 by Special Representative Haekkerup and Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Covic was an important step in engaging the Kosovo Serbs.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“Mr. Guehenno: I welcome the opportunity to introduce the Secretary-General's report on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). This report covers pivotal events over the last three months that not only mark a great accomplishment for the people of Kosovo, and for the international community, but also open the door to new opportunities for all parties in Kosovo. Since UNMIK's inception in 1999, the international community has worked with the people of Kosovo to create the institutions and the conditions on the ground to establish provisional self-government. Over the last three months we have come closer to this goal. On 17 November 2001, Kosovo-wide elections were held in a generally peaceful environment.”
2002-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4454 (2002) · source
“Vieira de Mello intends to continue the process of delegating authority to the East Timorese within the parameters of resolutions 1272 (1999) and 1338 (2001). The continued commitment and patience of the East Timorese and the confirmed strong support of the international community will be essential during this complex period and beyond independence if East Timor is to have a sustainable and democratic future. The Secretary-General's report in October will present the planning for UNTAET's follow-on mission, which will be designed in cooperation with the East Timorese, to ensure that the tasks entrusted to the United Nations are completed in an effective manner.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“In conclusion, the successful and peaceful conduct of the election and the commitment of the parties to the Pact of National Unity bode well for East Timor's future as an independent, democratic nation. The next few months will indeed bring with them complex and difficult challenges. The members of the Constituent Assembly will soon begin drafting a constitution. Their challenge will be to live up to the expectations of the East Timorese who have entrusted them with the weighty responsibility of organizing a sustainable, democratic State. Concurrent with this process, UNTAET, together with the East Timorese Cabinet, will continue to lay the necessary foundations for effective and lean administrative structures. In this regard, Mr.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“As regards the return of an international presence to West Timor, members of the Council may recall that an inter-agency security assessment mission was dispatched to West Timor from 8 to 14 July. The mission recommended the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding between the Government of Indonesia and the United Nations specifying the exact security arrangements to be provided to United Nations personnel before United Nations agencies resume operations in West Timor. Once this memorandum of understanding is concluded, the security phase could be lowered from Five to Four in all districts in West Timor, except Belu district. A draft agreement is now being finalized.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“Vieira de Mello, Gusmao, Alkatiri and Ramos-Horta on 12 September. This will be the first meeting between the President and the leadership of East Timor. In the next few days, Mr. Vieira de Mello hopes to announce the formation of a new Cabinet, which is expected to be composed entirely of East Timorese and to reflect broadly the election outcome. The inaugural session of the Constituent Assembly will be held on 15 September. In the past, UNTAET had indications that some refugees in West Timor wished to return to East Timor, but did not do so out of fear of the past association of elections with violence. UNTAET and the Indonesian authorities are currently finalizing arrangements for what is hoped will be the return of an estimated 2,000 refugees from West Timor to East Timor's Ainaro district later this week.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“Altogether 12 parties will be represented in the Assembly, while four failed to gain entry. In an interesting development, the leader of the ASDT, Francisco Xavier do Amaral, has announced his willingness to form a coalition with Fretilin. Should this coalition materialize, Fretilin and ASDT would have a controlling majority in the Assembly. The people of East Timor deserve to be congratulated on the manner in which the election was conducted. In a positive sign of future good relations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Hassan Wirayuda, called Mr. Vieira de Mello on behalf of the Indonesian Government to congratulate the East Timorese for the orderly and peaceful conduct of the electoral process. At the same time, he extended an invitation from President Megawati Suekaronoputri to meet with Messrs.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“The Timorese Social Democratic Association (ASDT) led by Francisco Xavier do Amaral - briefly the self-declared President of East Timor in 1975 - came in fourth with 7.8 per cent of the vote and six seats. It did particularly well in its central mountain strongholds, securing a higher vote than Fretilin in the district of Aileu. Four other parties, all drawing their strength from social conservatives with traditionalist leanings - the Timor People's Party, KOTA, the Timorese National Party and the Christian Democratic Party - each gained two seats in the Assembly. Independent national candidates did not fare well, none of them succeeding in gaining a seat. One district independent, however, did win in Oecussi. Twenty- three women members will be present in the 88-seat Assembly, a percentage of 27 per cent.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“Three parties lodged formal complaints with the Independent Electoral Commission, alleging systemic problems with the conduct of the poll. None of their complaints were upheld or considered serious enough to justify remedial action. As I mentioned previously, the final certified result was announced today. Fretilin secured 55 of the 88 seats in the Constituent Assembly. Second- and third-placed in the results were two newly established parties, the Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party winning seven and six seats respectively, or 8.7 per cent and 8.2 per cent of the national vote. Together, the two parties broadly represent the activists of the former National Council of Timorese Resistance.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“In the Aileu district, where over 40 per cent of the ballots cast were blank, a party which had failed to nominate a district candidate had actively encouraged the population to leave their ballots blank. However, the Independent Electoral Commission concluded that the overall percentage of invalid votes - approximately 5.4 per cent in the national ballot and 8.71 per cent in the district ballots - was well within acceptable parameters. (spoke in English) Provisional results were declared progressively during the course of last week and, on 6 September, the Independent Electoral Commission's Chief Officer, Mr. Carlos Valenzuela, released the uncertified overall results of the elections. Those who wished to lodge complaints with the Independent Electoral Commission over the voting or counting process had a right to do so by 8 September.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“The boxes remained overnight under the guard of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) civilian police and were flown out the next morning to the central counting station. On 31 August, the ballot boxes were opened at the district counting centres and their contents reconciled with the polling records. After this verification, the ballots from the various polling centres were mixed to ensure that it would be impossible to determine the voting patterns of any village. Voting patterns can be identified only at the district level. Counting was closely followed by the observers. The parties contesting the election raised a number of questions about spoiled and blank ballots.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“Criticism, such as it has been, has focused on the inexperience of some of those responsible for polling stations, on the occasionally slow processing of voters and the crowds that formed as a result, and on some delays, such as at Dili, where polling booths remained open after the official closing hour Altogether, over 4,000 political party representatives and independent candidates were accredited and observed the electoral process, including the voting itself, the transportation of ballot boxes and the counting procedures, all of which was closely followed. Ballot boxes were transported to the counting centres that evening with one exception, due to poor road conditions.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“In advance of 30 August, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Transitional Administrator, issued a public warning that their presence would not be tolerated. Throughout the day, the border with Indonesia remained open and normal crossings in both directions took place. Only six refugees, who had previously registered in East Timor then returned to West Timor, are known to have crossed back again in order to vote in Oecussi district. Over 1,700 observers monitored the election, some 500 international monitors and 1,200 East Timorese belonging to local non-governmental organizations. Their reports have uniformly praised the conduct of the election and the manner in which the Timorese participated.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“A number of polling sites remained open beyond the scheduled closing time of 4 pm. to enable those still waiting on line to vote. In accordance with pre- established procedures, 11,999 voters whose names did not appear on the electoral role, but who had a proof of registration dated on or before 23 June, were allowed to vote. In total, some 382,968 East Timorese cast their ballot, approximately 91 per cent of the 421,018 eligible voters. By district, the lowest turnout was in Dili - "lowest" being a relative term, since participation there ran at over 88 per cent - while the highest was in Ermera, at 94 per cent. No last-minute incidents of intimidation or other illegal activity were reported. Concerns that party "security groups" might turn out at polling stations on voting day to intimidate voters were not realized.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“On election day, 30 August, the 248 polling centres were run almost entirely by some 5,000 East Timorese. Many voters in rural districts travelled in family groups by foot throughout the night in order to arrive at polling stations by 7 a.m., while others slept outside them so as to be at the head of the queue. Crowds formed very early at the polling centres. Despite a delay in opening some of the locations and the need for electors to wait in line for several hours in the open sun, very few disturbances took place. Those that did happen were minor, resulting from the impatience of those waiting in line or the enthusiasm of voters casting their ballots for the second time in the recent history of East Timor. None of these incidents cast the least doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“The determination of the East Timorese to embrace democracy was evident throughout the electoral process. During the campaign period, they demanded of the political parties their full adherence to the principles of the 8 July Pact of National Unity. Under the Pact, 14 of the 16 registered parties committed themselves to respecting the outcome of the election, to conducting themselves in a peaceful and mutually respectful fashion and to defending multi- party democracy. Campaigning centred largely on personalities, past records and symbols. Few formal complaints relating to campaigning offences were lodged and not one alleged breach of the Electoral Offences Regulation was upheld. At the conclusion of the campaign on 28 August, a "day of silence", during which all activities related to campaigning were prohibited, was observed.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“In their statement, the Commissioners went on to add that "all the evidence available to the Board suggests that the campaign was the most peaceful at any election organized, supervised and controlled or verified by the United Nations, and in general, more resembled an election campaign in a stable established democracy than a campaign in a country hosting a peacekeeping operation." Of the 16 parties that contested the elections, 12 won seats in the 88-seat Constituent Assembly. The East Timor National Liberation Front (Fretilin), led by Francisco Guterres and Mari Alkatiri, received the strongest support: 57.4 per cent of the valid votes cast and 12 of the 13 district seats, giving it a total of 55 seats, which is five short of the majority needed to pass the constitution.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“Members of the Council will recall that on 23 August, the Secretariat provided a briefing on the preparations for the elections in Timor. I am pleased to report today that the elections for the Constituent Assembly of East Timor were held on 30 August in an orderly and peaceful manner. This historic event, in which 91 per cent of the electorate participated, occurred exactly two years to the day after the East Timorese voted overwhelmingly for independence on 30 August 1999. Today, in Dili, the Independent Electoral Commission announced the final certified results and declared that the criteria for a free and fair election had been met.”
2001-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4367 (2001) · source
“Others have been suspended, and we are waiting for the conclusion of those investigations to see whether they will be dismissed.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“I would like to mention here that UNMIK recently adopted a KPC disciplinary code, and also that it relies on cooperation with KFOR for reports on acts by KPC members that would constitute criminal or serious civil offences. Whenever evidence is found, the UNMIK- KFOR Joint Executive Committee will direct the commander of the KPC to suspend immediately a KPC member who is suspected of committing an offence. That was the case, for example, following the issuing of the United States executive order at the end of June. If after that immediate suspension, the investigation confirms the suspicion, the KPC member will receive a dismissal order and will leave the KPC. I would mention in that respect that besides yesterday's case, three other KPC members were dismissed- not suspended: dismissedf in August.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“A question was also raised by the representative of Colombia on detention facilities. As I mentioned in my briefing, progress is already being made with the so-called quick-build detention facility and with the refurbishment of the larger facility of the Dubrava prison. But it is clear that with the adoption of new regulations, the legal ground upon which individuals can be charged and detained will become broader and there will probably be a need for greater detention capacities. We are confident that with the strengthening of the justice and police pillar, the issue of having adequate detention facilities in Kosovo will be addressed. The last question you raised, Mr. President, was with respect to the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC).”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“As was noted by the representative of Yugoslavia, we would like those practical measures to yield more results. We still hope that they will, and that more people will take advantage of the facility to register. That is a political message that is being emphasized in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. There have been articles in the press. There have been radio spots to spread the word that the possibility to register exists, and that those who can register should make good use of that possibility. Additionally, to ensure the transparency of the process, representatives of the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia are allowed to be present during the data-inputting process in both Pristina and in Vienna to make sure that everything is done in the most adequate way.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“But beyond the political signal that is being sent, there will certainly be a need for monitoring. There will be a need for a return to normalcy. That requires time, and we stand ready to give our support in any way that is asked of us. The representative of Colombia asked about the registration process outside of Kosovo. I would like to emphasize that much has been done to facilitate out-of- Kosovo registration and voting. Agreements have been reached with the International Organization for Migration and with the OSCE, and between the OSCE and the relevant authorities in Serbia and Montenegro, which have allowed for the opening of registration centres in both Serbia and Montenegro, primarily in those areas where the displaced are concentrated.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“Some kind of regional approach - in police work, for instance 4 is certainly warranted. As far as the role of the United Nations is concerned vis-a-vis the situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, other organizations - the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) - have taken a leading role. The United Nations has a supportive role to play and, as the Secretary-General mentioned in the letter just cited by the representative of Macedonia, we stand ready to give our full support and to share whatever expertise we have to help in the follow-up to what is now being done by NATO in operation Essential Harvest. It is clear that that operation sends a strong political signal. It is also achieving, we hope, very practical results.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“More broadly, the representative of Singapore raised the issue of the impact of the events in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on our whole strategy in Kosovo. At this stage, I would just say that this is a reminder that there will not be any lasting solution in the Balkans that does not address the regional dimension. That is true at the political level because the principles that are established in one place have validity in other places; we always have to take into consideration the implications of what is decided in one situation for other situations. That is true also in the very practical sense that we know that organized crime does not recognize borders or boundaries: there have been links between organized crime and extremist activities.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“I think this shows the degree to which the Kosovo Force (KFOR) is actively patrolling the border to make sure that it does not transform Kosovo into a safe haven for extremists as the situation returns to normal in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Secondly, a question was raised by the delegation of Jamaica about the impact of border closures. Indeed, the closure of the border does complicate significantly the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). It also complicates police rotations. At this stage, I do not think it has yet directly affected the operations of the police. But I think it affects them indirectly, in the sense that increased economic hardship in Kosovo can certainly only play into the hands of those extremists who do not want Kosovo to return to normalcy.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“Mr. Guehenno: Several delegations have expressed their concern with respect to the events along the Macedonian border and their potential impact on the situation in Kosovo. I would like to respond to those concerns. First, with regard to the situation on the border, I am not in a position at this stage to give additional information on the incidents mentioned by the delegation of Ukraine. But I would like to inform the Council that just yesterday no less than 35 Kosovo Albanians were arrested for illegally crossing the border into Kosovo. Over the last weekend, no less than 96 Kosovo Albanians were similarly intercepted while crossing the border.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“Progress has been made in several areas of mutual concern to all the communities. I am thinking, for instance, of missing persons and returnees. But we must recognize that it would be unrealistic to expect major developments in a very short time. The situation in Kosovo can only change progressively. Tolerance and respect for others take time. They are not developed overnight. They can come about only through the participation of all in forming Kosovo's future. That is why again we renew our appeal for massive voter registration within the communities concerned and call upon those communities to participate in the elections.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“In July alone 115,000 passengers were processed by the Pristina airport, contributing as well to Kosovo's revenue collection. The passenger train running between Pristina and Pec is now a regular service. A train tunnel was opened in northern Kosovo, which might in the future make it possible to connect Kosovo with Serbia proper. In conclusion, I would like to say that the note of cautious optimism sounded during the last briefing to the Council at the end of July has been tempered recently by the figures that I gave you a moment ago regarding the voter registration by Kosovo Serbs. We wish those figures were a lot higher. But it is hoped that the clear signals that have come from Belgrade will help to reverse this currently unsatisfactory trend in terms of pre-election registration.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“This is more than twice the amount of revenue raised in the same period last year, so obviously this means considerable progress has been achieved. There are ongoing efforts to attract investment to Kosovo and to foster economic activities, in particular through the commercialization of companies. Nine, to date, have undergone this process. As a result of these various measures, there has been a 180 per cent growth in jobs in the industries involved, which is not a negligible amount. Commercialization has engendered extra investment and has also led to progress in the banking sector. The banking and payments authority of Kosovo has approved two new branches for the new Bank of Kosovo. Significant progress is reported in the transport sector as well.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“UNMIK is greatly concerned at the continuing closure of the border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, a result of road blockades inside the country. The border closure not only affects the Mission's ability to support its operations in optimum conditions, but it also has negative long-term consequences for the Kosovo economy. I would like to say a few words about the economy of Kosovo. This border closure is coming at a time when tax collection mechanisms, especially in northern Kosovo, had finally been accepted. Two hundred seventy Kosovo Serbs had applied for the 17 vacancies in the UNMIK tax collection and customs service. This should improve the tax resources collected through UNMIK. Total revenue collected so far by UNMIK passed the 200 million deutsche mark level just before the end of July.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“Since March KFOR has increased its presence at the border of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania. It has conducted a Kosovo- wide operation to seize weapons and seek out those suspected of being members of armed groups. In this connection, I have some figures that have been communicated to us by KFOR that I would like to share with you. KFOR reports that since 31 May over 600 individuals have been detained and over 600 rifles, 1,400 grenades, 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 139,000 rounds of ammunition have been seized throughout Kosovo, mainly in the border area. Where KFOR has detained individuals, and where sufficient evidence of criminal activity exists, UNMIK is committed to investigating and prosecuting these cases to the fullest extent of the applicable law in Kosovo.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“UNMIK will continue to support KFOR in its efforts to sever any possible ties that may develop between radical elements in Kosovo and the self-appointed National Liberation Army that operates in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. KFOR is supervising the activities of the Kosovo Protection Corps, known as the KPC. It reports that there is no evidence that the KPC as such has been involved in the recent incidents in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. When individual members of the KPC are found to be involved in criminal activities, they are immediately subject to disciplinary measures, which may include dismissal, and they are liable to criminal prosecution. I believe that yesterday one member of the KPC was subjected to this process.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“As a result, a total of 32 senior commanders have now been trained to serve in Kosovo. I would also like during this briefing to touch upon matters relating to the situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Council members are undoubtedly aware of the letters addressed to the Secretary-General from the President, the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. A copy of the Secretary- General's response to President Trajkovski has been circulated to Council members. As that response indicates, UNMIK and KFOR remain fully committed to countering Albanian extremism and to restoring normal security conditions.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“The two projects will require six to 12 months properly to complete, as well as an increased number of international staff to manage them. There are two urgent priorities that depend on our ability to recruit staff with the requisite expertise. I am referring to the development of an effective framework for parole and probation services, as well as the provision of qualified staff to address the needs of mentally ill inmates requiring psychiatric services. Efforts continue to build further the capacity of the Kosovo Police Service (KPS), and to develop an adequate rank system within the KPS. Two senior command courses have now been completed at the Kosovo Police Service School, which is run by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“Following a number of politically motivated criminal incidents, the Political Violence Task Force, which was established in the run-up to the 2000 municipal elections, has been reactivated to provide a multi-agency, coordinated response to politically motivated crimes, a response involving all the relevant bodies. The most serious of those incidents in recent days was the attempted assassination of a politician from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) in Srbica, in the Mitrovica region. The Department of Justice is proceeding with the so-called quick-build detention facility, that is, a temporary prison that is quickly set up. In addition to that project, it is also proceeding with the refurbishment of the war-damaged Dubrava prison.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“At the meeting, both parties agreed to meet regularly - a commitment that has already materialized with the holding, on 21 August, of a second, very constructive meeting, which took place near Pristina. (spoke in French) I would now like to take up issues relating to security and law and order. On 16 August, Mr. Jean-Christian Cady took up his functions as Deputy Special Representative for Police and Justice. Under his leadership, efforts will continue to strengthen law and order, including completing a package of legislation to tackle organized crime. Work has also begun to improve conditions at a witness protection location. In addition, a witness protection director has been appointed. Progress has also been made on creating a specialized office to combat organized crime. That office is scheduled to open on 1 September.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“Relations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia have generally improved over the past month. An important step forward was made on 15 August with the meeting between the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the Commander of KFOR and Mr. Covic, The Special Representative clearly reiterated the need to implement Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) in all of Kosovo, and in particular to ensure that no parallel security and administrative structures are in place, especially in Mitrovica and northern Kosovo. Together with KFOR, and through the UNMIK Belgrade office, the Mission is exploring administrative ways and means to improve working relations with the joint coordination centre.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“In order to aid the reintegration of the Kosovo Serb community in Osojane, additional funding will be channelled to nearby Kosovo Albanian and Roma communities. By concretely supporting the issues of missing persons and returns, UNMIK is addressing two of the five main concerns that were outlined by President Kostunica during the meeting with the Security Council mission last June. The third one, normalization of the tax-collection mechanism in northern Kosovo, is being settled satisfactorily. The two remaining points raised by President Kostunica are more difficult to address. Cooperation in education and police matters has to be handled carefully so as to take account of legitimate Kosovo Serb interests while, at the same time, safeguarding the integrity of UNMIK's transitional administration.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“With regard to returns, there was an initial organized return under a security escort provided by the Kosovo Force (KFOR) on 13 August, of 54 Kosovo Serbs to the Osojane Valley, in the Pec region. That was followed by the return of a further 30 persons on 22 August. The Osojane site is one of the 10 locations identified in 2001 by the action plan of the Joint Committee on Returns for Kosovo Serbs. The return took place without incident, apart from a protest staged by Kosovo Albanians in Istok on 23 August. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is providing temporary shelter and basic needs while the returnees reconstruct their houses with the aid of funding from the European Agency for Reconstruction and bilateral donors.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source
“There has been progress in several areas of mutual concern to UNMIK and to the authorities of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, primarily on the issue of missing persons and returns. On the missing persons issue, there is now an enhanced programme of visits to grave sites, both in Kosovo and Serbia proper; an exchange of photographic and other information relevant to post-mortem verification work; the composition of a joint consolidated list of missing Kosovo Serbs; and protocols for the repatriation of identified remains. One of the first results achieved by the Contact Group on Detainees and Missing Persons was UNMIK's 15 August return to Yugoslav authorities of the mortal remains of a Kosovo Serb woman.”
2001-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4359 (2001) · source