Kosovo: new UN-backed rail terminal opened

A new rail cargo terminal of the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) was inaugurated today in what officials termed a sign of progress in the province.

UNMIK chief Søren Jessen-Petersen and President Ibrahim Rugova were on hand at the ceremony in Fushe Kosove/Kosovo Polje.

"UNMIK Railways is working for Kosovo's future - the new Cargo Terminal is a strong sign of this," said the UN envoy. He voiced hope that the facility would serve to move UNMIK Railways - currently dependent on donor contributions - to "a market economy and regional economic integration."

Mr. Jessen-Petersen noted that UNMIK Railways - with 20 per cent of its workforce coming from different minorities, passengers from all communities, and operations throughout the province - is a strong example of how a multi-ethnic Kosovo can be a success.

He recalled that the so-called "Freedom of Movement Train," which was initiated in 2001, plays an important role in ensuring this multi-ethnicity by linking Kosovo together.

UNMIK Railways currently covers over 300 kilometres and expects to launch inter-city services in close cooperation with neighbouring railways in Serbia and Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.