YouSaid · the spoken record

Steiner

lines on the record: 154
first: 2002-04-24
most recent: 2019-01-25
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“He said publicly - in fact, he could even tell the Council - that he did not recognize northern Mitrovica; it had changed because of the increased presence of the police, of our administration, of UNMIK. He said that he could see it, he could smell it. Precisely what the people in the north want is to become part of the legitimate structure. The representative of Mexico asked about the possibility of microcredits. I think this is an absolutely crucial element. We have seen an enormous success story in an institution coming from Bangladesh, the Gramin Fund, which is handing out very small microcredits to people in rural areas. It functions in an incredibly impressive way. It shows how people can start businesses with small amounts and then produce their own way of life.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“I have said publicly e and I also speak on behalf of the KFOR commander - that I will personally guarantee that there will be no incursion from the south over the Ibar river to the north. I can say that on the basis of fact; those are not just words. We can guarantee that no Serb in the north has to fear any incursion from the south if he accepts the common institutions that should govern in the whole of Kosovo. We give this guarantee, and I can say here that we can hinder any incursions so that no one will have fear. Each person has only to expect advantages in joining the legitimate structures. There was a visit to Mitrovica - and northern Mitrovica - by Admiral Johnston, who is CINCSOUTH and came from Italy.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“People want it to be changed because people there do not want to be without economic prospects. It can be done. We have developed quite a comprehensive programme for an economic perspective in the north of Mitrovica, but there is a simple economic fact. You will not get business or investment when the legal framework is not clear but is still a grey area; when one does not know what law is to be applied; when there are not yet reliable institutions; and when illegal institutions govern the situation. The precondition for helping the economy in the north is the removal of the parallel structures there. Let me mention one point that has been raised several times and which I think is a legitimate concern of the Serbs living in northern Mitrovica. Of course, there is fear.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Also with respect to Mitrovica, we will, of course, apply there the policy of zero tolerance for crime and corruption. If need be and if we have proof, we will also arrest people there, not only in the rest of Kosovo. That is what the population there expects. The population is sick and tired of this grey zone in which criminals can visibly go about their business. Equally important is to find ways to allow political participation on the municipal level as well. We have developed a model of how this can happen. But the precondition is that there exists a readiness to take part in the political structures, which must be part of the overall system based on resolution 1244 (1999). Another element is economics. The economic situation in northern Mitrovica is miserable, and it needs to be changed.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“We are pursuing a strategy together with the commander of KFOR, General Marcel Valentin, and our cooperation in that regard is excellent. Our strategy addresses several decisive elements, because you cannot solve Mitrovica by addressing just one element. I am grateful that Council members have stressed the point that parallel structures have to go. They are in contradiction with resolution 1244 (1999) and are exactly the opposite of what we want to achieve. The second point is that policing is key. You need to have a police force that works in the interest of the people, including that of the people in northern Mitrovica. Since the last time I reported to the Council, I have massively increased the presence of the police. The police are working and doing normal police work in Mitrovica, which changes the picture on the ground.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“The benchmarks are in essence also what the people want. This is essentially why they are supported. A final point: I think it just makes good sense to say that before you can address the question of status, the substantial autonomy - whatever form it may take- as prescribed in resolution 1244 (1999), you need something that can carry that autonomy. If you do not have functioning institutions, then it remains on paper. You first have to create a functioning, respectable society and functioning institutions. Then it makes sense to talk about the status. I think that people have understood that. Not everyone, but those who are really working in the interest of Kosovo. Let me also say a word on Mitrovica, which was mentioned several times.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“With respect to benchmarks, let me go beyond the details. It is a living document. I am also ready to adopt it in the light of further progress. But what are the benchmarks in reality? They are for the Kosovars. Those who have thought about it understand that. Benchmarks are the way to Europe. If you fulfil the benchmarks, you also fulfil the essential preconditions for moving in that direction 7 and everyone wants to go in that direction. At the same time, the benchmarks are not a formal prerequisite. They are an aim and goal in themselves, and they are what people want. They are the precondition that we can address. It is the question of unemployment, which is such a heavy burden on Kosovo. It is the precondition that people can go to the institutions and to the courts and have their rights or freely use the streets in security.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Pablo Baraybar leads that office and has already shown significant results. I have invited the families and the representatives of the families of the missing from Belgrade and from Serbia, as well as those from Kosovo, to meet with me because this is an issue that we need to address together. They came to Pristina, and we had a meeting in my office. I think it was quite a successful meeting. To be concrete, let me tell you that the Office of Missing Persons announced publicly in Pristina today that we will now issue medical death certificates. That is very important because those families want legally valid information regarding the fate of their loved ones. We are starting this process to give people legal surety. I think that it is difficult and cannot be worked out overnight, but the record here is quite impressive.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Later on, here in New York, we will also inform the donor community of what is possible. Specifically, we will present 30 projects for a quite sizeable number of returns, which can start immediately. If the Council asks me to make return possible and we prepare it, then I will have to ask the Council to help us financially. Otherwise, it cannot work. Return cannot work if those concrete projects are not supported. The issue of missing persons was mentioned several times by the representative of Denmark on behalf of the European Union. I think it is an absolutely crucial element psychologically. That is why we have completely re-organized our efforts in this area. We have a new office of missing persons under the leadership of someone who comes from the Hague and who has considerable experience. Mr.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Now, seven years later, we have seen returns to the most difficult cities. We have returns to Prijedor, Stolac and, this year, thousands of families returning to Srebrenica. That shows that it works, that with the right approach it is possible to have minority returns. Ours is a bottom-up approach, because you need to prepare return projects from the ground up, from the grassroots, and then present them to the donor community. That brings me to my main point in this context. The international community and the Security Council have asked us to make minority returns possible. We have reported to the Council that we have the necessary parameters to make return really possible on the ground. Return is possible and has started this year, this summer. But it will cost money.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Mr. Steiner: I shall try to go through all the many questions as quickly as possible. The first point is the matter of return. I think we should not lose sight of the fundamentals. 1999 is only three years past. You might remember that the reason the international community intervened, first as a military presence and then as a civilian presence, was that most of the people in Kosovo were driven out. You have to understand that a certain length of time is needed before return really becomes possible. There were displaced persons not only among the minorities but also among the majority. A certain length of time is required. We have the encouraging example of Bosnia and Herzegovina. When we first started the return efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I thought that it would be impossible for a sizeable number to return to Bosnia.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“While we cannot say now what shape that future status will be, we can say what it will not be. There will be no partition, no cantonization and no return to the status quo ante of 1999. The outcome cannot be mono-ethnic but must be multi-ethnic. It must be a democratic, safe and respectable Kosovo on the way to Europe. Progress towards this Vision of Kosovo is not guaranteed. There are still many obstacles to overcome. But together with the Kosovo institutions, with the Kosovans and with the Security Council behind us, I believe it is possible.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“They are getting driving licenses that fulfil all European standards and can be used abroad. Progress on many of the issues that matter to Kosovans requires intensive dialogue with Belgrade. Kosovo's political leaders have yet to participate in this dialogue. The normalization of relations is a key benchmark. On the other hand, we look to Belgrade to support UNMIK's policies in words and deeds. Parallel structures have to go. Our message is "standards before status". Kosovo has not yet achieved the standards that either the international community or its own people demand, but we can see progress. The benchmarks allow me to measure that progress, to transfer power and to decide, when the time is right, to begin the process to determine Kosovo's future status, in line with paragraph 11 (e) of resolution 1244 (1999).”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“How many return, then, depends on the displaced persons themselves. So it is not about numbers; it is about a real choice. For example, in partnership with UNHCR, we have just finalized a comprehensive package for 500 people to return in Peje/Pec. Italy has funded the project, worth 3.5 million euros. Exploiting other, similar opportunities requires resources. I will distribute a map and an organizational chart which shows where we go on returns. The more successful we are, the greater the needs will be. Return costs money. We have 30 other projects that are ready to go, and many more to come. Kosovo must look beyond its boundaries and borders. I have Visited all of the neighbours to establish pragmatic relations. Kosovans will now be able to drive to all of them with the Kosovo license plates. They require visas for none of them.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Milorad Todorovic has taken up the position of Inter- Ministerial Coordinator for Returns in the Government. Another Kosovo Serb, Nenad Radosavljevic, is my Special Adviser on Returns. Both the UNMIK Office for Return and the Housing and Property Directorate will now have new, dynamic directors. Property is key. With this fresh start, the Housing and Property Directorate needs proper funding. Our concept for returns is based on the choice of individuals to return to their own homes and to stay. Success on returns is measured not by how many return, but by making return a genuine option. A genuine option means safety and the ability to move freely. It means a place to live, a job and equal access to basic services and public utilities. It means the ability to repossess property. It is our job to help create those preconditions.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“The number of returnees is not large, but it indicates that the climate is improving. KFOR has been able to remove fixed checkpoints. Serbian can be heard in the streets of Pristina. Political support for returns is also growing, although in some municipalities it still needs to be improved. Both the Kosovo Assembly and the Association of Municipal Assemblies have issued resolutions demanding freedom of movement and unconditional return. Let me quote Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi: "My goal is to integrate Serb enclaves that have been physically isolated until now. We will try to integrate them, to offer them a role in all Government institutions, but also on the level of the economy, in enterprises and employment." We now have the right structures in place.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“This will require political support to develop procedures, to conclude international loan and guarantee agreements, taking into account Kosovo's special status. We cannot have it both ways. If aid is decreasing, Kosovo must have access to the international financial institutions. Otherwise, the 57% unemployment rate will force the young, the future of Kosovo, to emigrate. With regard to the returns there is no denying that the returns process has been too slow. And it is a disgrace that in 2002 we still have enclaves in Europe. But this year we have reversed the trend on returns. The number of minority returns now exceeds outflow. The figures of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicate that approximately 1,000 people returned in the first six months of 2002, while 268 left.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“A strong economy is not only powered by energy but also by a solid set of institutions and rules and indeed respect for these rules. We have established a framework for privatization. The Kosovo Trust Agency is in place, thanks to the support of the United Nations Secretariat, as well as the European Union and the World Bank. The Board had its inaugural meeting last week. Preparatory work is now necessary to enable the Agency to establish clear property ownership, facilitate and protect new investments, and put idle assets into productive use. But to seize the opportunities presented by privatization and to regenerate the economy, we need to find a way to replace declining donor funding. Kosovo's economy is still far from being self- sustaining. I will need your help to find a way to gain access to credit.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“The situation was quite dramatic. I quote from the police report: "The fire forced a number of workers onto the roof, where they were trapped. The firemen's ladder was unable at first to reach the persons on the roof, as their ladders extend only to 30 meters, and the roof was higher." The workers were saved by the ingenuity of the fire brigade. We have lost more than half of our power capacity with a single stroke of lightning. There was no arson, and the alleged TNT was, as KFOR discovered, simple builders' putty. But if the police report identifies mismanagement or serious negligence, I will hold those responsible accountable. As a result, there are now and will be power shortages. Together with the Kosovars we will manage, through a number of measures. But the real problem will come this winter. For this, we need to prepare now.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“There are now sufficient applications, and the applicants will be screened individually and selected just like all other candidates. To encourage Kosovo Serbs to participate in local Government, we will bring the Government closer to the people. Our approach on decentralization would delegate competence and budget authority to local communities. But the condition is political participation in the municipality itself. In the economic sphere, we are working on a new deal for Mitrovica. But business and investments will not come into the gray zone of illegal parallel structures. So first, these have to go. On the economy, as a whole, we have made significant progress. But we took a serious hit ten days ago. There was a disastrous fire in one of the two main power plants in Kosovo, caused by a high intensity bolt of lightning.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“The core of our strategy is effective policing with full support from Commander of the Kosovo Force (KFOR), General Marcel Valentin. UNMIK police are an established force and carry out regular policing in northern Mitrovica. Soon, the Kosovo Police Service will also be there. In the north, we have received more applications from Serbs to join the KPS than we have posts. Progress in Mitrovica depends on replacing parallel structures with legitimate institutions. Belgrade must discontinue its financing of the parallel structures, including the "Bridge Gang". We, UNMIK police and KFOR, are "watching the bridge". It is good that Belgrade has called on Kosovo Serb judges and prosecutors to leave the parallel courts and to apply to join the regular courts.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Windows were smashed and people were injured. In the last six weeks, UNMIK police have arrested 14 Kosovar Albanian men for murder, unlawful detention and torture. Again, those arrested included ex-KLA members. This time, some of them were rather prominent. And again, some Kosovars chose to express their opposition in the streets. But this demonstration gained only marginal support, and after an hour the police commissioner sent me a message: "Demonstration peaceful. Demonstration over." With regard to Mitrovica we have been working hard to establish UNMIK authority in northern Mitrovica. Belgrade has said it agrees with me that there can be no petition, no mono-ethnicity and no parallel structures. But on the ground, we are not there yet.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Transfer of power is about the internationals being able to let go and about the Kosovars assuming responsibility for day-to-day life. On fighting crime our policy is zero-tolerance for crime and corruption. We are cracking down on organized crime. UNMIK police and the Kosovo Police Service (KPS) have conducted several successful anti- smuggling operations, confiscating large quantities of cigarettes, fuel and alcohol. To expand our efforts to fight corruption, a financial inspection unit, consisting of a highly flexible, crack team from Italy's Guardia di Finanza, will now be created within UNMIK. The people of Kosovo themselves are tired oflawlessness. When I first arrived in Kosovo, in February, thousands of Kosovars were demonstrating against the arrest of three former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“But the most difficult stage, namely creating a functioning administration and a political culture suited to self-government, is just beginning. We have always said that there would be mistakes in the beginning. The Assembly overstepped its competence with its resolution on the border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which I had to declare null and void. This has been dealt with. I have urged the institutions to focus on the urgent tasks within their competence, including health, environment and public services. The pace at which the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) transfers further authority to the provisional institutions depends on their readiness to assume real responsibilities.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Mr. Steiner: The last time I addressed the Council, it endorsed the benchmarks as the international community's yardstick for progress in Kosovo. Since then, Kosovo' provisional institutions have embraced the benchmarks as internal goals and ends in themselves. You have seen the extensive report by the Secretary-General. This report shows that there are still difficulties, but there is also substantial progress. Here is where we stand on the benchmarks. With regard to building functioning democratic institutions, we finally have in place a multi-ethnic Government with ten ministries and with Serb participation. Last Friday, I promulgated the first law of the Assembly on pensions. Preparations for the second municipal elections are on track. Kosovo's institutions are taking shape. Kosovars can be proud.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Anyway, we have no alternative, and we have to continue along this path. I just want to thank you once again for all the expressions of support that the Council has made today. It is very encouraging as I go back to Kosovo tomorrow.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“The Council support for what we are doing - as we report to it in the hope that the Council supports our philosophy and line of action - is quite a powerful tool. I must say that so far I am very encouraged and that it is helpful to have this support. In my analysis, the third ally is the population of Kosovo. That is true for the majority population, the Kosovo Albanians, and for the Kosovo Serbs and the others, because we have the same aims. They want a decent, secure life, and that is how we see our task. Of course, we also address the question of the region and the many practical issues we have with Belgrade. But I think that we have a common line and common goals. For that reason, I think we have a real chance to do our work, which is, in the end, to help create a respectable, inclusive society.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Normal people want to have electricity, security, jobs and their normal, decent living. That is what we are there to address first. That is why I frankly believe that prematurely addressing final status issues would not help us in the current situation. Finally, sometimes in the evening I, too, am pessimistic and am concerned at our slow progress on the issues that the Council has rightly mentioned. But there is something that comforts me. I think that we have three allies. The first ally - and forgive me for saying so, but it is true - is the Secretary-General of the Organization. To have the support for this enormous Mission from the Secretary-General and from the Secretariat here in practice is extremely helpful to us. The second ally is the Security Council, representing the international community.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“That is what the people in Kosovo want too, irrespective of whether they are Serbs, Kosovo Albanians, Bosniacs or others. What do these people want? Do not forget that more than 50 per cent of the population is under the age of 23. They are young people. They want jobs, reliable institutions and security. Those are the issues that we need to address first. I firmly believe that if we address those benchmarks - even if not in an ideal way - which will still take time, the question of how we should address and discuss the question of the final issue will be much easier. But that is not the issue for the moment. I think we have to concentrate on the things that the population expects of us. I talk to these people constantly. No one asks me about the final status. Politicians may, but not normal people.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“We simply do not have the time to do that in a situation where financial contributions from donors are declining and the international presence is being downscaled. The representative of Singapore addressed, as have others, the issue of final status and referred, as Mr. Covie has, to the report of a very active organization which follows the situation in Kosovo. Let me be very clear on this issue. Yes, we will have to address this issue when the time is right, under resolution 1244 (1999), paragraph 11. We will do so in the form of a dialogue with Belgrade, of course. But I continue to believe that the time for that has not yet come. I think that we need to do first things first. My philosophy on this issue would be standards first, then status. That means we need to do our homework now.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“If there is an indictment - of whomever and on whatever charge, whether of a member of the Kosovo Liberation Army in Kosovo or not - we will arrest that person. That is our role. We are duty-bound to do it and we will do it. Finally, with regard to the question of privatization and property of the Federal Republic or Serbia, it is highly disputed who owns what. This is the reason why, in our draft legislation on the Kosovo Transfer Agency, we have frozen the whole question of ownership. We will introduce an economic framework that can boost the economy without addressing or interfering with the question of who owns what. We have simply frozen the question. It is too complicated to solve now and, were we to wait for a solution to it before solving the problem of property, we would not get the economy going.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Those who have been found guilty by international judges of having committed the crimes of murder, stealing and so on are in prison in the north- east of Kosovo, and they will stay there. After a review and decision by international judges, those who have been found not guilty have been or will be released. Every step we are taking here we are taking together with the international judges. You have also asked, Mr. President, about the status of the review of possible war crimes. You must understand that I cannot disclose judicial processes here, but let me say one thing very clearly. First, Carla del Ponte was in Pristina about a week ago and said that the court is currently investigating three cases concerning Kosovo. We will see what the outcome is in that case.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“I have said to everyone who wants to hear it and to those who do not want to hear it that that is also the position of UNMIK. Now, if there are different views - and that is something I cannot forbid - that is one thing, but I have also made it clear to the provisional institutions that they have no competence as provisional institutions to take any decisions to the contrary. If the Assembly discusses these issues, I cannot hinder it, but what I can and will hinder, as I have told Mr. Covie, is any decision by the Assembly in this area, because it is an area of reserved power and not for the Assembly. Mr. President, you have asked where the prisoners are.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Now, if we have the institutions, the representatives and the Serbs involved in an integrated approach on return, and if we do it together with Belgrade - which has to play a decisive role here because most of the internally displaced persons are, of course, in Serbia proper - if all those factors are working together, I think we have a chance. For one thing is also clear, 2002 and next year will be decisive when it comes to returns. Let me now answer your specific questions, Mr. President. With regard to the Agreement between Belgrade and Skopje on the borders and the position of the Assembly and the institutions, I have made UNMIK's position clear on every occasion in Pristina and in Skopje. In March of last year, the Security Council called for respect for that Agreement.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has put the official number of minority Serbs, Bosniacs and others who have returned so far at 453,000. That is not enough by far. This is an issue on which we must now put priority. I think we have a chance to do that, because for the first time we can follow an integrated approach. If we have finally nominated a Serb coordinator for returns within the Government; if we have nominated a senior adviser on returns for my Office from among the Kosovo Serbs; if we see that, while the climate on the ground is still difficult, it has changed; and if one listens to what Prime Minister Rexhepi is telling the mayors out there in Kosovo about returns - then that is good news. We have the right messages going out to Kosovo from the provisional institutions.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“One also has to see that we need to support others living in the municipality. I think that the answer - and my understanding in our discussions with Mr. Covie was that, in essence, we agree on this - cannot be one of horizontal division. The answer must be a vertical answer on decentralization. That must be something that happens in the whole of Kosovo. I also think that we need economic help and that small and medium businesses in the north should be helped. I would be very grateful if Belgrade would support, and continue to support, such an approach to decentralization once we have calmed the situation. Return was mentioned as one of the core issues we need to address, and I totally agree.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Once we have the situation there normalized and we have an international presence as prescribed by resolution 1244 (1999) - and of course the Serb community also has legitimate interests and concerns - we can talk about the delegation of competencies to municipalities and about the re- assessment of the operations of local communities. But first things first. When we talk about Mitrovica, we should not forget the facts. Mitrovica is a municipality with 130,000 inhabitants. Ninety per cent of the inhabitants of Mitrovica are non-Serbs. If one looks at the news coming from that area today, I am being heavily criticized for not moving forward in avoiding parallel structures and in deploying the international presence everywhere, including the north. One has to see that for every action there is an opposite reaction.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“On 8 April, policemen doing their jobs were attacked - not only with stones, but also with bullets and hand grenades. Twenty-two were wounded and, as has already been said, one seriously. By the way, that is the reason why Polish Prime Minister Miller went to northern Kosovo a day later to express his solidarity with UNMIK. So here, on this issue, we are talking simply of criminal acts. We cannot respond to those acts with agreements on horizontal redrawings of maps, on whatever level, or by taking action against the proceedings of international judges. As I have outlined several times, what is necessary first in Mitrovica is a calming of the situation. We also need to have an unhindered international presence in the north, including international police.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Covie and I both signed relates to how we will deal with these cases - specifically, cases within Kosovo - in the future. We have identified 16 prisoners who fall under the terms of the agreement, which is shaped in accordance with the European agreement on the transfer of prisoners. We and lawyers from Belgrade have asked these prisoners whether they want to leave. We cannot force them; that is something which needs to be done voluntarily. Unfortunately, I must say that so far not one has taken up this opportunity to be transferred to a prison in Serbia proper. We are ready, of course, if the prisoners agree, to follow this up expeditiously. Let me also say a word about Mitrovica, as it has been mentioned by the representative of China and others. I think we need to keep the facts straight.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Mr. Steiner: Let me first thank all the speakers here in the Council for the support that I have received for the concept of priorities and benchmarks. Let me say, too, that of course the situation is not easy and there is no doubt that we still have serious shortcomings. Deputy Prime Minister Covic' has rightly pointed out the fact that freedom of movement for non- majority communities is still in a very unsatisfactory state. That is one of the reasons why freedom of movement for all is part of the benchmarks concept. Let me just respond briefly to the specific points that have been mentioned. First, on the transfer of prisoners, I join those who have commended the step taken by Belgrade to transfer prisoners, after two and a half years, to Kosovo, where they legally belong. The agreement that Mr.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“Remember: a stable Kosovo is a key to a stable region. The more support the Council gives us now, the faster we will be able to reduce spending and international personnel. Members of the Council have visited Kosovo twice. They have seen it develop. Where there was rubble, there are now roads, schools and hospitals. Where there was anarchy, there are now democratically mandated institutions. This has been accomplished through our international presence and the funds that we have committed. I would like to invite the Council to come again and see what it has achieved. We have to finish the job we started together. It will still take time, but this is now the decisive phase.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“But in addition to political support, I will still need its sustained technical and financial support. This is essential in achieving our priorities. Yes, we will have to reduce our engagement, but not at a time when we should be capitalizing on our past work. I am concerned about the anticipated premature reduction in the Kosovo peacekeeping budget. Given the marathon that we have run in Kosovo since 1999, it would be tragic to falter as we are nearing the finish line. The next stages of authority transfer will succeed only with the Council's help, and only with its backing will Kosovo be able to develop normalized dialogue and meaningful relations with Belgrade and its neighbours. The more we invest now, the more stable, sustainable and fair a society we will leave behind. Can we afford not to afford returns?”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“They mirror the principles and priorities in the coalition agreement signed on 28 February by political parties forming the Government. Through stimulating public debate, we can also gain broad support for needed reforms. Attaining these benchmarks is an objective in itself. Kosovo can advance towards a fair and just society only when these minimum preconditions are met and when the changes in institutions are sustainable even without an international presence. I offer this to the Council as an exit strategy which is, in reality, an "entry strategy" into the European integration process. The benchmarks complement the preconditions that Kosovo needs to meet to qualify for the stabilization and association process. I rely on the support of the Security Council for this strategy.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“These benchmarks should be achieved before launching a discussion on status, in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999). The benchmarks are: existence of effective, representative and functioning institutions; enforcement of the rule of law; freedom of movement for all; respect for the right of all Kosovans to remain and return: development of a sound basis for a market economy; clarity of property title; normalized dialogue with Belgrade; and reduction and transformation of the Kosovo Protection Corps in line with its mandate. With your permission, Mr. President, following my statement Council members will receive a brief illustration of our thinking on benchmarks. These benchmarks articulate our expectations of Kosovo's leaders and of the wider public.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“The work of implementing resolution 1244 (1999) is now a joint effort with the provisional institutions. We are transferring our responsibilities to those institutions in the process of building substantial autonomy. This will bring us closer to a stage at which it will be time to begin the political process designed to determine Kosovo's future status. This will be one of my main responsibilities, as foreseen in paragraph 11 (e) of resolution 1244 (1999). But let me say clearly that the time for this has not yet come. Kosovo society and institutions will have to show that they are ready for this process - without prejudging its outcome. We must make clear what is expected from them. Therefore, I am embarking on a benchmarks process.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“The rule of law must apply everywhere in Kosovo. This is also true for Mitrovica. There will be no multi-ethnicity without integration, and there will also be no integration without multi-ethnicity. Integration Within Kosovo needs to be complemented by the strengthening of relations with Belgrade as well as of cooperation Within the region. Just as Kosovo is a factor influencing stability within the region, relations with regional neighbours influence stability in Kosovo. I have already made my first trips to Belgrade, as well as to Skopje, Tirana and Sarajevo. We will continue to foster regional dialogue at both the bilateral and multilateral levels. Belgrade will be the crucial partner. Finally, I turn to the question of benchmarks. I have described the priorities of my mission.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“When the returns start, on the basis of our integrated approach, we need to be sure that there will be money to follow the returnees. Only this way can we achieve sustainable returns. Here I would like to make a more general point that relates to the previous one. We need to follow a dual-track approach. Multi-ethnicity and integration are the two mutually reinforcing elements here. On the one hand, the Kosovo Albanians, as the majority community, have to practice what their leaders preach- thank God. Multi-ethnicity means doing everything they can to encourage the smaller communities to stay in Kosovo and to make returns possible. On the other hand, the smaller communities have to participate in the institutions that we have set up under resolution 1244 (1999). They must integrate and abandon parallel structures.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“We must count on the Council's support, especially when the going gets tough. The final priority is returns. Now that the Kosovo Serbs will be part of the Government, we can focus more efficiently on an integrated effort to facilitate return. The years 2002 and 2003 will be decisive. We are committed to creating the preconditions for a substantial return process. Damage assessments in over 80 minority villages and urban areas have been completed. Serb returns to 14 villages and non-Serb minority returns to seven locations should commence within the next three months. The Kosovo Serbs will have their official representatives working on returns within the Government and in my office. It is time to work on a real breakthrough in returns. But for this, I must ask for your help.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“The legislation to create the Kosovo Trust Agency, which will be the vehicle for privatization, is now with the Provisional Government for comments. The third priority is the rule of law. Effective police and judiciary are essential. We will gradually transfer policing responsibilities to the multi-ethnic Kosovo Police Force under UNMIK supervision. Let me pay tribute here to the brave policemen and women of UNMIK. The Polish Special Police recently demonstrated their dedication in an exemplary manner. We are also enhancing capabilities to effectively combat organized crime, terrorism and corruption. However, I must emphasise that as we begin to make significant arrests against the criminal gangs, we should anticipate a criminal backlash. KFOR Commander General Marcel Valentin and I stand shoulder to shoulder on maintaining order.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source
“On the local level, the municipal elections run by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) this autumn will be key. There are good reasons why the Kosovo Serbs, especially, want these elections this year Our second priority is to boost the economy. An unemployment rate of 50 per cent is an untenable situation. At the same time, UNMIK is downsizing. There has already been a substantial drop in donor money, and Kosovo is unable to borrow on the international markets. Getting the economic fundamentals right is therefore even more important. A key element is privatization. Privatization will not solve the problem in the short term, but it is the only basis for secure jobs in the long term.”
2002-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4518 (2002) · source