UN transfers final government responsibilities to Kosovo institutions

The United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has completed the transfer of specific responsibilities to local provisional institutions as part of its commitment to gradually introduce self-government to Kosovo.

Harri Holkeri, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Kosovo, sent a letter today to Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Bajram Rexhepi, stating that 25 remaining “competencies” would now be carried out by Kosovo’s major provisional institutions – the presidency, the government and the Kosovo assembly – bringing the total to 44.

The competencies transferred include specific powers over agriculture, the media, culture and the environment. They are the final batch of government responsibilities to be transferred according to Kosovo’s Constitutional Framework. UNMIK, which has been in place since June 1999, is trying to establish progressively greater autonomy and more effective self-government in Kosovo.

In a statement issued today, UNMIK said “a small number of specific responsibilities,” such as the work of an independent media commission, would not become functional until relevant laws are passed or the relevant administering body is established. But every competency is now the formal responsibility of Kosovo’s provisional institutions.

UNMIK retains certain reserved powers in Kosovo, including control over security, foreign relations, minority rights protection and energy, until the province’s final status is determined.