UN envoy to Kosovo holds talks with leader of Serbia and Montenegro

The United Nations' top envoy to Kosovo met today with the Prime Minister of Serbia and Montenegro, Vojislav Kostunica, in Belgrade to discuss last month's wave of deadly ethnic violence in the troubled province.

Harri Holkeri, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Kosovo, told Mr. Kostunica of the measures being taken by the UN Interim Administration Mission (UNMIK) and the international security force (KFOR) to improve security.

Patrols have been increased in areas inhabited by minority communities, he said, while UNMIK Police and KFOR troops are also providing security for abandoned villages and homes.

According to a spokesperson for the UN, Mr. Holkeri told Mr. Kostunica that the international community is determined to bring the organizers of the recent violence to justice, with more than 140 people already arrested. The violence left 19 people dead, hundreds injured and many properties damaged.

Mr. Holkeri also said the UN was working to provide humanitarian relief and to help reconstruct churches and monasteries destroyed during the riots and attacks.