New head of UN Kosovo mission optimistic about a status settlement

In his first public comments since being named Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Special Representative in Kosovo yesterday, the new envoy said he expects to be the last person to hold that position because he believes a resolution of the province’s final political status can soon be reached.

Speaking at the headquarters of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in Pristina yesterday, Joachim Rücker said work would focus on preparing for the operation’s departure and the handover of Kosovo to the appropriate authorities, as determined by a final status settlement.

The UN has run Kosovo, an Albanian-majority Serbian province, since international forces drove out Yugoslav troops in 1999 amid ethnic fighting. Independence and autonomy are among options that have been mentioned for its final status.

“I recognize and I respect that minority communities in Kosovo, especially the Kosovo Serb community, need special reassurances, and I would emphasize that the majority population has an obligation and responsibility to reach out to the minorities more than ever before,” said Mr. Rücker, who assumes his post on 1 September and said he expects to be the Secretary-General’s “last” Special Representative there.

He said the key tasks ahead included the creation of stable institutions, a peaceful and secure environment, economic development, and minority participation in Kosovo’s life.

“I have great faith in the people of Kosovo, and in particular I have great faith in Kosovo’s young generation, a generation that has the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity,” he said.

Mr. Rücker added that UNMIK would work to leave behind a united Kosovo, despite the fact that Serbia rejects the idea of independence and Kosovo’s Serbs have been boycotting the province’s local government.

“We cannot and we will not accept partition as an option,” he said. “Engagement with UNMIK and with the Kosovo Institutions is the only method of ensuring that the Kosovo Serb concerns are addressed and an acceptable solution is found.”