Kosovo: UN to begin phased transfer of responsibilities to local government

The United Nations has moved a step closer to handing over substantial responsibilities for autonomy in Kosovo to the local government with the establishment of a transfer council.

The top UN official in Kosovo, Michael Steiner, said today the council would be a vehicle for the phased transfer throughout the year of substantial responsibilities from the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to the Institutions of Provisional Self Government.

“UNMIK is moving to strengthen Kosovo institutions,” Mr. Steiner, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative, said at a joint press conference in Pristina with Kosovo Prime Minister Bajram Rexhepi. “UNMIK and the Government have agreed: substantial responsibilities will be transferred in a phased process throughout this year.”

The Transfer Council, co-chaired by Mr. Steiner and Mr. Rexhepi, will decide upon the means and timetable to implement, coordinate, oversee and review the transfer process and will hold its first meeting on 26 March.

The establishment of the council is in line with UN Security Council resolution 1244 and UNMIK’s mandate to promote the establishment, pending a final settlement, of substantial autonomy and self-government in Kosovo, to ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all inhabitants of Kosovo.

Mr. Steiner noted the new responsibilities would also raise the stakes. “Kosovo’s institutions will have greater powers and face greater sanctions if they abuse those powers,” he said. “I’m very happy today because we created the Council, and the more authorities you have, the more responsibilities you bear. I hope we are on the path to be more efficient, in the interest of all Kosovo citizens.”

UNMIK retains final authority as set out in resolution1244 and will increase its focus on its core responsibilities, in particular the protection of minority rights, the rule of law and security and external relations. UNMIK will get tougher on violations of minority rights, Mr. Steiner said.