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UNMIK/PR/669
PRISTINA - SRSG Hans Haekkerup chaired the opening session of the new Kosovo Assembly, attended by 119 of 120 members elected on 17 November. The Assembly elected a five-person Presidency, and the Assembly President-- Rexhat Daci of the LDK. Following the election of the Presidency, Mr. Daci took over the floor and set the next session date for Thursday, 13 December. Besides Mr. Daci, the Presidency of the Assembly includes Fatmir Sejdiu of the LDK; Rada Trajkovic, Oliver Ivanovic and Gojko Savic of Coalition Povratak and Haxhizulfi Merdza representing other non-Albanian minorities. The PDK, who are entitled to name two members of the Presidency, declined to put forward any candidates. SRSG Haekkerup delivered the following address in opening the session: "This is a historical day for Kosovo. For the first time in history, we are now participating in the opening of a truly democratically elected Assembly, representing the people of Kosovo. "This day also marks an important milestone in the implementation
of the United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1244. We are now witnessing
the establishment of substantial, meaningful self-government in Kosovo "This is a high responsibility, and it requires a high degree of wisdom and moderation. The Assembly and its members shall be responsible not only for the interests of their respective electorates, but also for the future of Kosovo as a whole. "It will now be your responsibility to ensure the establishment of effective self-government, taking responsibility for a wide variety of matters directly affecting the development of Kosovo. "You will also bear the responsibility for ensuring that inter-ethnic and political reconciliation take firm roots in Kosovo and that all communities enjoy equal rights and responsibilities, free from any form of discrimination. "Only on this basis can the men and women of Kosovo become an integral part of European and world development. The International Community has invested huge efforts to ensure peace and stability in Kosovo and in the region. It will be your high responsibility to supplement and develop those efforts, thus securing continued support for Kosovo from the International Community. "Distinguished Members of the Assembly, Today is a special day, not only because this Assembly is beginning its important work. As I speak, Secretary General Kofi Annan is in Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize as a reward for the enduring efforts of the United Nations to make our world a more peaceful and a better place. Important achievements in those tireless efforts have been accomplished here in Kosovo since UNMIK was established in 1999. The Secretary General, Nobel Laureate Kofi Annan, has asked me to convey to you a personal message from him:" MESSAGE TO THE INAUGURAL SESSION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF KOSOVO "I am honoured to salute you today as the democratically elected representatives of Kosovo. The inauguration of your Assembly marks the beginning of the transfer of authority from the United Nations to the Provisional Institutions of Self-government. This is an important step towards the implementation of Security Council resolution 1244, adopted 30 months ago. It is also a milestone on the road to democracy and peaceful development in Kosovo. "This is a day of hope, but also an occasion for reflection and
renewed resolve. You face the challenge of achieving efficient daily government
in particularly difficult circumstances. At the same time, you have an
important task in overcoming the legacy of the past and establishing a
political culture of tolerance, mutual respect and constructive compromise.
No one must suffer discrimination by virtue of her or his ethnic origin.
It is surely a good omen, therefore, that by the most fortuitous of coincidences,
your Assembly is inaugurated on the same date as Human Rights Day is observed
throughout the world. I trust that you will use wisely the mandate given
to you by the people of Kosovo, and I wish you every success in your work."
(Kofi A. Annan) |