YouSaid · the spoken record

Holkeri

lines on the record: 85
first: 2001-01-26
most recent: 2004-05-11
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“I note the priority issues raised in members' interventions: security, the rule of law, the rebuilding of houses and destroyed property, protection of the rights of communities, multi-ethnicity, returns, reform of local government, implementation of standards and revival of Kosovo's economy. I can assure the Council that these are our common priorities and that we will make every effort to achieve them. Finally, let me say that I am encouraged by this discussion. I sense a growing recognition of the fact that the United Nations and all concerned Member States must reflect deeply on the issue of how to handle Kosovo's political future and move towards a more stable political settlement. I encourage this reflection and look forward to further discussions with the Council on the sensitive steps ahead of us.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Iceland has provided us with important support in areas where it has expertise - air traffic control and airports. Ukraine is one of the few countries that responded to our request by providing new investigators for the riots that took place mid-March. We are grateful for that kind of support, and we hope that this encourages other Member States to help us as well. In conclusion, I would like to thank Council members for their support of UNMIK and of our policies. Such support is absolutely essential for our joint efforts in the successful implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“UNMIK takes the Amnesty International report very seriously. The report on human trafficking addresses a very serious problem that is common throughout the Balkans. We recognize that UNMIK has important responsibilities to combat this tragic and criminal phenomenon in Kosovo. UNMIK policy is also to ensure the provision of appropriate assistance and rehabilitation to the victims of such trafficking. Our Mission takes immediate and strict disciplinary action against any staff member found in establishments where prostitution is suspected and that we have declared to be off-limits. I have directed UNMIK staff to review the recommendations in Amnesty International's report and to take action to improve our response in combating human trafficking where appropriate. I should like to thank in particular two countries, Iceland and Ukraine.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“I take note of the list of measures outlined by the representative of the Russian Federation, aimed at normalizing the situation in Kosovo following the March violence. As I stated in my briefing, enhancing security in Kosovo - particularly the security of non- majority communities - and working towards multi- ethnicity, returns and freedom of movement are at the heart of UNMIK's current efforts. The implementation of the standards remains the centrepiece of UNMIK's activities under its mandate, in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999). The representative of Japan referred to a recent Amnesty International report. He said that, with regard to the issue of trafficking in girls and women, Japan hopes that UNMIK will provide further information and take appropriate measures to address the problem without delay.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“I welcome and agree with his statement that those considering how to handle Kosovo's political future should do so in transparency and discussion with one another. We are entering a tricky and sensitive phase, and we in the United Nations should closely coordinate our efforts with those of concerned Member States. I fully concur with the representative of France's observations on the quality of the media in Kosovo. Like media in other regions emerging from ethnic conflict, the media in Kosovo do not meet international standards. UNMIK is studying carefully the recent report of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and is prepared to consider appropriate measures to impose sanctions on the media that inflamed the situation in March.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Mr. Holkeri: I thank the members of the Council for their constructive discussion of issues of crucial importance to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and to the people of Kosovo. The proposals and assessments of Council members are most welcome. I will now try to answer the questions raised in the discussion and offer my comments on some details of particular interventions. I will begin with the Foreign Minister of Serbia and Montenegro, whom I thank for his remarks. I fully agree with his call for dialogue and reconciliation between Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Albanians. I should like to pick up one point from the very insightful statement made by the representative of France.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Before concluding, I want to say an important word about Kosovo's political future. The Security Council has endorsed the mechanism for a review of Kosovo's readiness for consideration of its future status. It is not for me to say what that decision should be, though I will certainly give the Council my view when the time comes. The decision will be for this Council to make. But with mid-2005 just over a year away, thought should be given now on how to handle the difficult choices that lie ahead. There is much work ahead for us in UNMIK and for the people and the Government of Kosovo. The continued support of the Security Council and of the international community is for all of us both essential and welcome.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“At my instruction, we have begun to consider our future configuration, including the possible reorganization of our structure. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the Council to consider this question, too; we would welcome its views. Meanwhile, UNMIK will forcefully continue its mission, as defined by Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Council's instructions. Privatization has been for some time a crucial issue in Kosovo's economic life. It is no secret that this process has been fraught with difficulties, both legally and politically. I am glad to report to the Council today that there has recently been progress in this area, with agreement on operating procedures between UNMIK and the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“But, of course, our efforts to build and increase engagement with the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government will depend to a great extent on how seriously those Institutions are committed to taking the responsibility we offer them. They must, above all, show real progress on standards implementation, reconciliation and reform of local government. As for UNMIK, it is right, too, that we should consider whether its structures and organization are the most effective for today's and tomorrow's circumstances. UNMIK has always been a changing mission, as the needs and challenges in Kosovo have altered. For example, at the municipal level, our role is already shifting from administration to monitoring and advice. This is a natural consequence of our work to prepare and build Kosovo's own institutions.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Looking to the future, we intend to continue with our task, under Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), to prepare the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government for self-government. This would mean, in addition to building capacities, an eventual transfer of further competences from UNMIK. I have asked all pillars and offices of UNMIK to involve the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government as much as possible in their work, including in the reserved areas. Those measures are the right way forward if we are to create truly responsible and effective government in Kosovo. The status quo does not provide for such change.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“But the key to effective and enduring reform of local government is that any concept should be developed, discussed and agreed by the parties within Kosovo itself. Our guiding principle is that devolution of powers to communities and local government reform must be acceptable to all communities. That means that the entire population should enjoy the benefits and share in the responsibilities of local government reform. We are encouraged by the continuing support and active engagement of the international community in the implementation of the following policies: standards, dialogue and local government reform. In that regard, we welcome the recent engagement of the Contact Group Plus.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“I will strive to ensure that direct dialogue is resumed as soon as possible. Strengthening local government is an important component of the standards and is key for ensuring the peaceful coexistence of all communities. Work in that area has begun. For that work to succeed, the full and constructive engagement of all communities, as well as of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, is required. The objective is to put in place effective Government structures at the local level without any partitioning or cantonization of Kosovo, neither of which is practical or sustainable. We have taken note of the plan proposed by Serbian Prime Minister Kostunica and endorsed by Serbia's National Assembly. We share Belgrade's concerns about the security and economic sustainability of the Serb community in Kosovo.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“I encourage them also to re-engage in the work of the Provisional Institutions and the other institutions of Kosovo. I understand their doubts after the terrible shock of the recent violence, but such participation is the best way to ensure that their voice is heard and to protect their interests. As Council members are aware, one of the eight standards is direct dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. Just days before the violence erupted, UNMIK successfully launched two direct-dialogue working groups, on energy and on missing persons. Unfortunately, the outbreak of unrest has forced the postponement of that process. In the weeks since the violence, leaders in Belgrade and Pristina have told me that, in the current political situation, dialogue is on hold. However, as one of the standards, it cannot be ignored or deferred indefinitely.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The deadline for the formulation of revised policies on those areas in the Plan following the violence has already been missed. The Provisional Institutions need to do more. I know that the Prime Minister shares my view, and I hope that the necessary commitment will be forthcoming. As Council members know, the Serb community has chosen not to participate in the standards process. I regret that, and I will continue my efforts to encourage them to change their minds. Other non-Albanian communities are participating, because they understand that the standards process is all about the improvement of conditions for their communities - indeed, for all communities in Kosovo. The door remains open for the Serb community to participate.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The Implementation Plan is comprehensive and details many policies. There is a great deal to do and little time in which to do it. Progress will require hard work on the part of all the institutions of Kosovo, at both the central and the municipal levels. UNMIK is determined to give all its support to the people and the Government of Kosovo so that they can make the greatest possible progress. Partnership between the Provisional Institutions and UNMIK is the only way for Kosovo to make progress. The introduction of new and tough actions in the Implementation Plan in the areas of returns and communities as well as freedom of movement was essential to reflect the new reality in Kosovo. I am concerned, however, that the level of commitment displayed so far in those areas by the Provisional Institutions is insufficient.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“We were putting the final touches on the Plan when the violence erupted in March. Just days later, on 31 March, Prime Minister Rexhepi and I jointly launched the Plan. That was a demonstration of our intention to overcome the legacy of the violence and to set the policy course for the future. The commitment of the Provisional Institutions and of the people of Kosovo to the Plan's implementation is crucial to its success in all areas of the standards. The coming elections will be a test of that commitment. I expect a politically mature election campaign and the swift formation of a new Government. It is imperative that all the political parties maintain their full support for the standards process and that the next Government - whatever its composition - works hard to ensure maximum progress on the standards.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“We are urging countries where persons from minority communities in Kosovo have been granted temporary protection to extend such protection until such time as their return in conditions of safety and dignity can be guaranteed, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). The rights of all communities in Kosovo can be ensured, above all by vigorously implementing the standards for Kosovo. The standards remain a top priority for UNMIK. The Kosovo Standards Implementation Plan sets out in detail what actions are designed to meet the standards, who is responsible for undertaking those actions and when the actions are planned to take place. The Provisional Institutions and UNMIK began work together on the Implementation Plan the very day we unveiled the "Standards for Kosovo" document last December.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“In the immediate future, KFOR in particular needs to play a much more substantial role in providing a secure environment regarding returns and minority communities than was envisioned at the outset of this year. The Kosovo Government's initiative to reconstruct damaged houses is to be commended, and I have welcomed it. But reconstruction must not be allowed to become a half-hearted, superficial effort. UNMIK will continue to work with the Provisional Institutions to ensure that the concerns of community members are fully addressed throughout the process. Rebuilding the physical infrastructure is just the first step; restoring the confidence of the affected communities is even more important. The current security environment in Kosovo is not conducive to the forcible return of members of minority communities to their homes in Kosovo.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The viability of returns in 2004 is dependent on a variety of factors, including initiatives on the part of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and of Kosovo society to build trust and enhance security. Much will depend on the effectiveness and visibility of the initiative led by the Provisional Institutions to rebuild what has been destroyed as well as on outreach by the Provisional Institutions to the minority communities and on confidence-building and reconciliation efforts. Achieving progress on returns - including of the newly displaced - and ensuring a truly secure environment for returns will require a substantial increase in the quality and quantity of protection provided by KFOR and the police.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Some senior Government officials and the local media jumped to conclusions about the cause of the 16 March drowning of young Albanian boys and thereby contributed to the trouble. Some went so far as to justify the violence as a legitimate reaction against Serb parallel structures and United Nations "misgovernment". The unprofessional and provocative reporting of the events by many of the local media inflamed the situation. The impact of the violent attacks on members of the Kosovo Serb, Roma and Ashkali communities was dramatic. Some 4,100 persons were displaced in just two days. The violence has obviously had a very adverse effect on the overall returns process.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“UNMIK had no means to augment its security forces; KFOR was not reinforced until after the violence ended. Our Mission has been working to review operational procedures and coordination in responding to crises. To that end, I have appointed a review board to examine our response, and I will act on its recommendations. In reaction to the March unrest, the Prime Minister and other key political leaders, after pressure from the international community, showed responsibility by calling for a halt to the violence. However, they were tardy in specifically condemning the attacks on minorities and minority sites, including religious and cultural sites. Some politicians used the violence to renew calls for independence.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The Mission suffered yet another shock when, on 17 April, three United States correctional officers were killed and 11 others - 10 United States officers and one Austrian officer - were injured when a Jordanian special police unit officer opened fire without any provocation. The Jordanian police officer was killed when the United States officers returned fire. His four companions, also Jordanian officers, are being investigated for their role in the crime. One of them remains in detention. The violence has forced us at UNMIK to take a long, hard look at ourselves. Was our response adequate? Did we do enough to prevent the violence? The speed with which violence spread over Kosovo overwhelmed the capacity of Kosovo Force (KFOR) and UNMIK security forces to respond.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“The focus on investigations into the violence has limited our capacity in other areas, including the fight against corruption. Nevertheless, there has been some progress in that area with the recent arrest of three individuals. There have been several other violent events since the March violence. Investigations are progressing well into the murder of two police officials, one local and the other international, near Podujevo on 23 March. All four suspected perpetrators have been identified. One of the attackers was killed in the encounter with the police. Another suspect has since been arrested, and inquiries are ongoing to locate the remaining two.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Some 50 cases of a more serious nature have been entrusted to international prosecutors. We aim to resolve these cases and to punish the perpetrators. To facilitate that, UNMIK has requested 100 additional police investigators, six international prosecutors and three international judges. So far, 14 police investigators have arrived in Kosovo, and we expect at least 20 more shortly, for which we are most grateful. But we request a more definite commitment from Member States to enable us to move ahead with the investigations. The arrest of key suspects in the March violence triggered some protest demonstrations. However, they were isolated and this time local politicians were quick to urge veterans' and students' associations not to participate and to refrain from violence.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Mr. Holkeri: This is my first report to the Council since the brutal wave of violence in mid- March. The violence was the most serious setback to the efforts of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) of the past five years and shook the Mission to its foundations. It challenged the sustainability of the international community's efforts to build a multi- ethnic Kosovo where all citizens could live in peace and security. UNMIK will do all it can to bring to justice all those who provoked or engaged in the violence. Some 270 arrests have been made so far. The priority at this time is to target investigations at the principal organizers as well as at cases of homicide and arson. Local prosecutors are handling more than 130 cases that are directly related to the riots.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“I very much welcome the confirmation by the representative of Serbia and Montenegro of Belgrade's intention to engage in direct dialogue with Pristina. I really do hope that this will allow the talks to start without delay. Allow me once again to thank all Council members for their support and I do hope that I, or somebody, will be back before them very soon, presenting the implementation working plan so that we can continue our work and target the real outcome for mid-2005.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“We would welcome constructive cooperation from Belgrade in dealing with concrete issues that affect the Kosovo Serb community, not least its participation in the standards implementation process. On that point, it is simply unjustified to argue that Kosovo Serb concerns will be ignored in the production of the standards implementation work plan. The Provisional Institutions and I have repeatedly made it clear that Kosovo Serbs are welcome in all the implementation groups and we shall ensure that full and fair account is taken of their concerns. I repeat that reassurance here today. I would ask the representative of Serbia and Montenegro to convey that to Belgrade, along with the clear wish of the Council, expressed today, that they should participate.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“I should like to emphasize that, while standards were developed to assess the progress of the institutions, implementation will be a joint UNMIK-Provisional Institutions of Self- Government exercise, not least because a clear separation exists between the reserved and transferred responsibilities, both of which are essential for the progress of Kosovo. At the same time, within the implementation work plan, there will be a clear separation of responsibilities between UNMIK and the Provisional Institutions. This will also allow us effectively to monitor their progress. I turn now to the comment made by the representative of Serbia and Montenegro. I have made careful note of the concerns expressed by him. May I say that those concerns are being addressed on the ground in Kosovo on a daily basis.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“As regards the comment made by the representative of Spain regarding the deadline for the production of the implementation plan, let me make clear that work to implement the standards is already ongoing; what is missing is the plan on paper. Nevertheless, I understand the Council's desire to see a work plan as quickly as possible. I share that desire, and intensive work in this respect is ongoing in Kosovo. I hope also that it is understood that the best way forward is partnership between UNMIK and the Provisional Institutions. The reality is that we share a Government in Kosovo, and I think it right that we should work together to produce the implementation plan. The representative of France specifically highlighted the responsibility of the Provisional Institutions for the implementation of standards.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“That was the case, for example, during the 2002 earthquake in anilane and the fire in Kosovo's so-called "B" power station. The organizations occasionally share the use of training facilities. We have not come across any cases of relations of a criminal nature between the two organizations. As concerns the observation made by the Russian representative, who stressed the crucial importance of upholding the standards, allow me to assure the Council that watering down the standards is not an option - not for anyone, and especially not for me. The implementation plan will spell out the actions needed to reach standards and will not in any way alter the standards as already announced in the "Standards for Kosovo" document.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Let me say that we are well aware of the urgency of producing that document expediently. UNMIK, in consultation with the Provisional Institutions, is working on this intensively. We need to have an effective document of high quality, and this requires a very thorough effort. We strongly hope to be able to present the work plan to the Council very soon. The representative of Benin, among others, raised the issue of whether there was a study on the interaction between the Kosovo Police Service and the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC). As the Council is aware, the responsibility of the KPC is to prevent and deal with the consequences of civil emergencies. In that respect, its activities are supported by the Kosovo Police Service.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Mr. Holkeri: I would like to express my profound appreciation for the support we have received today for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) as well as for the high assessment of the activities of the Mission. Without the Council's strong support, we would never have achieved the progress that has been made so far, and we would not have been able to complete our task. I thank the Council for this. I am particularly grateful for the support that the Council has provided for the standards implementation process. I shall now endeavour to respond to Council members' questions. The Permanent Representative of Pakistan and other members of the Council justifiably urged UNMIK to speed up the drawing up of the implementation work plan.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Neither the Provisional Institutions nor UNMIK will be able to achieve the high goals that we have set out for Kosovo without the Council's robust and consistent political and material support. Only through such support will we be able to attain our common objective of a democratic, tolerant, multi-ethnic Kosovo that will be at peace with itself and with the rest of the region. To achieve that objective, progress on standards is essential. And that will require, above all, the hard work, leadership and commitment of the leaders and the people of Kosovo.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“"Standards before status" needed a timetable. Kosovo's undetermined status helps no one in Kosovo, and it needs to be resolved sooner rather than later. It is my job to make sure that the Provisional Institutions make real progress on the implementation of the tough standards that have been set in the document, "Standards for Kosovo". The leaders of the Kosovo Institutions are determined to do so, and can count on my full support. Members of the Council have received the report of the Secretary-General on UNMIK for the last quarter of 2003 (S/2004/7l). It is a comprehensive account of the developments in Kosovo and the progress of the Mission in implementing its mandate under Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). It covers all major aspects of UNMIK's activities. I should like to emphasize only one thing.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“For it is the commitment of Kosovo's leaders, in the Government and down to the municipalities, that is crucial to making progress. In Kosovo, the President and the Prime Minister and his Government are working hard to implement the standards. But I am sorry to report that some politicians in Pristina are not demonstrating the wholehearted commitment that the Council and the international community are hoping for. I call on them today to show that commitment, for those who are not part of the standards process are letting down the people of Kosovo and will play no part in Kosovo's march towards a better future, including in paving the way for the determination of future status. The Council has now endorsed the mechanism for a review of progress on standards in mid-2005. That was the right decision.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“It is clear that some representatives of the Serbs in Kosovo understand and accept these arguments and are willing to participate in the working groups. But they are looking to Belgrade to endorse that View. It does not help that there is still no government in Belgrade. I hope that the Council will strongly support my View that the best way forward for all communities in Kosovo is participation by all communities in the standards process. The standards implementation process will go ahead as the Council has asked. Even as the implementation plan is under preparation, the real work - to turn the standards into reality - is already under way. UNMIK's focus on this task is intense. We are working with the Provisional Institutions to ensure that they too are similarly committed.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“My officials and I have met the coalition of Serb parties in Kosovo - the Coalition Return - on many occasions, including in the past few weeks and days. The purpose of our meetings was to underline to them that the best way for them to protect and promote their interests in Kosovo is to take part in the implementation process. The starting point is to take part in the production of the work plan. Their principal concern - that the standards process is undermining resolution 1244 (1999) and prejudging future status - is wholly unfounded. Nor are they right to fear that their concerns and interests will be sidelined in the implementation process. UNMIK is there to ensure that the interests of all communities are fairly and fully represented. The Prime Minister has issued a clear invitation to them to participate in all the working groups.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Production of the work plan requires consultations with many actors, both inside and outside Kosovo. This is the first time that a project like this has been undertaken in Kosovo, and it is a learning process for many of the ministers and officials involved. But it is well on its way. I hope that we shall very soon have a draft plan to present to the Council. I am sure that the Council would agree that it is more important to have a high-quality and effective work plan than to rush this crucial task. I want to say an important word about Kosovo Serbs and their non-participation in this process. I am personally very disappointed that there continue to be no Serb representatives in the implementation working groups.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“There needed to be partnership, rather than imposition. Partnership is very much the philosophy of my approach with the Government on standards. The standards are for all of Kosovo. The Provisional Institutions should be in the lead, with UNMIK supporting them and ensuring that the process stays on track. Our most urgent task is to produce an implementation work plan, setting out clearly the actions necessary to reach the standards. In the working groups, where the Government and UNMIK are sitting side by side, we are working intensively to produce this work plan. It will set out in clear detail what actions need to be taken to reach the eight standards, who will take them and when these actions should take place. This task is demanding and complex for UNMIK, and even more so for the Provisional Institutions.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“It is envisaged that they will be held in October this year. Preparations are well under way, with the help and under the leadership of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The implementation of standards is the core political project for UNMIK. I am determined that Kosovo should make progress on the standards, and I am confident that it will. We now have a clear political target, set out in the document "Standards for Kosovo", which I launched with the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Pristina on 10 December last year and which was subsequently endorsed by the Security Council. What we now need to do is to reach that target. When I arrived in Kosovo in August, it was clear to me that UNMIK needed to turn over a new leaf in its relationship with the Provisional Institutions.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“With the new legislation and mechanisms, UNMIK is now well equipped to address the challenges that it faces in this field. Significant progress has been made in the area of civil aviation, which will allow for a smooth transition to civilian control. With the assistance of the International Civil Aviation Organization, a Civil Aviation Regulatory Office has been established and a comprehensive legislative framework is being finalized to assure compliance with international civil aviation standards and practices. Iceland has graciously agreed to support the United Nations by assuming, on UNMIK's behalf, certain essential civil aviation functions necessary for operations at Pristina airport. I signed an agreement in principle on this subject with Iceland last week. I should like to refer briefly to the forthcoming Kosovo-wide elections.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Various tools and mechanisms have been set up to conduct administrative inspections and financial investigations to identify fraud and corruption. The Auditor-General's Office is in place and is about to become operational. It will promote transparency and accountability in the management and performance of governance in Kosovo. An Investigation Task Force has recently been established, composed of representatives of the Financial Investigation Unit, the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services and the European Anti-Fraud Office. The European Union has provided valuable financial and other support for these important initiatives. I have repeatedly emphasized that there will be a policy of zero tolerance with regard to fraud, corruption and financial irregularities.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“I continue to discuss this crucial issue intensively with the Prime Minister and the Provisional Government. I intend that the procedures for the Kosovo Trust Agency should be improved. The privatization process is essential for economic growth in Kosovo; I am determined that it should continue. With regard to financial irregularity and corruption, which emerge from time to time, I wish to assure the Council that UNMIK gives very serious attention to these matters. The recently promulgated Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and Customs Code, as well as legislation being promulgated on the prevention of money-laundering and related criminal offences, will provide new tools for tackling economic and financial crime.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“But as 2003 also demonstrated, the situation in Kosovo remains fragile, and those prospects must be nurtured in order to flourish. Real movement on returns in 2004 will depend both on continuing improvement in the security and freedom of movement situation in Kosovo and on the extent to which the people and leaders of Kosovo dedicate themselves to working with the displaced to support sustainable returns. It will also depend upon the constructive position of the Belgrade authorities and the continuing commitment of the international community. I want to mention another issue that is Vital for progress in Kosovo. Privatization is moving forward in line with the guidance provided by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs last November.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Through the dialogue, as well as through other channels, including possibly the High-Ranking Working Group, we also hope to be able to resolve long-standing disputes with Belgrade over parallel structures in Kosovo. Unfortunately, over the past few months, Belgrade has moved to extend and strengthen the presence of its parallel structures in Kosovo. Little is likely to change unless we respond to the challenge. Another dialogue topic is the issue of returns, an issue about which the Council has regularly been informed. Suffice it to say that building on the gradual progress made in 2003 and on the substantial improvements in both the political climate and the operational framework for returns, prospects for returns in the coming year are encouraging.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“The dialogue got off to a fitful start, due as much to disunity in the Kosovo Albanian camp as to the general preference of politicians in both Pristina and Belgrade to give precedence to domestic political issues. Four months after the launching of the dialogue at a plenary session in Vienna last October, the initial meetings of dialogue working groups might take place as early as February. It is the responsibility of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, in cooperation with UNMIK, to actively and seriously engage without further delay in the direct dialogue with Belgrade. Dialogue constitutes a confidence-building measure as well as a demonstration of good will. The participants representing Pristina understand that the dialogue is a standard that must be fulfilled before Kosovo's future status can be resolved.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Five years after the conflict, more than three quarters of the 3,566 people still missing are Kosovo Albanians, and nearly 18 per cent are Kosovo Serbs and Montenegrins. The remaining 4 per cent belong to other communities. Each side believes the authorities on the other side have information on the whereabouts of their loved ones. Both Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Albanians demand that all those whose crimes resulted in the disappearance of their loved ones, regardless of ethnicity, be brought to justice. There must be faster progress to resolve this painful issue. One area where progress can be made is in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. The issue of the missing is one of the four main practical issues that are supposed to be covered initially in the dialogue.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“Mr. Holkeri: Before I start my presentation, may I say that I was profoundly shocked and dismayed by the news of the terrorist attack this morning in Moscow. Having had experience in Northern Ireland and now in Kosovo, I am not new to the issue of extremism. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to my Russian colleague. The week before last, I met with a delegation of families of missing Kosovo Albanians as many more stood Vigil in the snow in front of the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). They told me of their frustration at the slow progress on the return of the mortal remains of their loved ones from Serbia proper. Similarly, I constantly hear about the grievances of the family members of missing Serbs who also want to know about the fate of their loved ones.”
2004-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4910 (2004) · source
“A police investigation into the incident was launched immediately, and an independent Commission of Inquiry consisting of international and local members has been established to look into its causes and to provide recommendations. I should like to reassure the Permanent Representative of Bulgaria that the case of Valentin Krumov remains open. Any new information that comes to the attention of UNMIK police will immediately be communicated to the Bulgarian authorities. In conclusion, let me say that the Permanent Representative of Russia and other speakers today highlighted the need to proceed energetically in the areas of housing security; law and order; improving conditions for the Serb and other non-majority communities in Kosovo; and advancing returns.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source
“But it must be noted that, parallel to the voluntary surrender of weapons, the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and UNMIK continue proactive measures, such as searches for illegal weapons and checkpoints. We have been quite successful in finding illegal weapons recently. The other issue raised by the representative of Mexico was the question of Dubrava prison. On 4 September, inmates of that prison, which is Kosovo's largest detention facility, occupied and barricaded a prison block in protest against conditions and refused to return to their cells. When the prison guards, in an attempt to force them back to their cells, tried to enter the occupied block, the prisoners set fire to their mattresses. Five prisoners died and a further 16 were injured in the ensuing fire.”
2003-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4853 (2003) · source