Kosovo: UN mission chief to seek Yugoslavia's support for Serb vote in elections

Hans Haekkerup, the head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) will visit Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica later this week to seek his support for Kosovo Serb participation in the 17 November elections.

Speaking to Kosovo's Interim Administrative Council, and later to members of the press, Mr. Haekkerup said he would present President Kostunica with a document that explains what the UN operation has been doing and will do in the future to improve conditions for Kosovo Serbs.

"There is strong international pressure for Kosovo Serb participation, and we want to make it easier for the authorities to support participation," he said.

Asked about reports in the Belgrade press about President Kostunica's declaration prepared for possible endorsement by the UNMIK chief during the visit, Mr. Haekkerup said he had not seen the document.

"I will read it with interest, and if it is within [UN Security Council resolution] 1244 and the Constitutional Framework, we're ready to discuss practical cooperation," he said.