29 November 2002, Thursday Edoition

CONTENTS

Belgrade Media Update

Steiner will not allow marking of border bet Kosovo and Macedonia (Zëri)

Zëri claims that the logic that prevailed in SRSG Michael Steiner's approach to meetings with senior Macedonian officials Wednesday, regarding changes to the border subject to last year's FRY-Macedonian agreement, was that 'it is too late to change the agreement, and it is too early to implement it by marking the border'.

Steiner met with Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski, PM Branko Crvenkovski, deputy PM Musa Xhaferi and Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva. One of the aims of the visit were improved relations between Kosovo and Macedonia, especially given the new political situation in Macedonia after the September parliamentary elections won by Crvenkovski's LSDM and Ali Ahmeti-led BDI.

The main obstacle for achieving this goal remains the border between Kosovo and Macedonia in the problematic area of the 2,500 hectares, which were given to Macedonia according to the Agreement between Belgrade and Skopje signed March 2001. A week ago, Macedonia started marking its borders in the Serbia-Macedonia-Bulgaria triangle. Serbian and Macedonian officials announced that the border would also be marked on the part between Macedonia and Kosovo. Zëri says this announcement worried Steiner and UNMIK, because Kosovar officials oppose the border agreement. In spring this year, the Kosovo Assembly endorsed a Resolution opposing the changes to Kosovo's borders. The same day, SRSG Steiner declared the resolution null and void.

In the event, Steiner and UNMIK, faced a fait accompli because the UN Security Council has supported this agreement through a presidential statement despite the fact that the agreement was in fact in opposition with UNSC Resolution 1244.

The Security Council, which had endorsed the resolution, now contested it by supporting a bilateral interstate agreement, which addressed the borders of a territory under UN administration. So, it seems that Steiner and UNMIK have little room to maneuver to achieve the two main goals. First, postpone the marking of the border between Kosovo and Macedonia. Second, to relieve damage inflicted on residents of the area who now cannot even use their own property.

Zëri says Steiner achieved the first goal and managed to move the second issue on a bit, with a mutual agreement to open two border-crossing points.

Zëri says Steiner has reportedly stressed that the marking of the new borderline between Kosovo and Macedonia does not fall within his competencies, and that he could not allow the border to be demarcated while UNMIK is the international administration in Kosovo. Zëri suggests that Steiner probably managed to convince Macedonian officials of his position, so there shouldn't be any similar activities at the border this year.

In the near future when Kosovo enters the phase of deciding the final status, this and other problems that involve relations between Macedonia and Kosovo will have to be resolved through a direct dialogue between Prishtina and Skopje, according to the paper.

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Several agreements on UNMIK-Macedonia cooperation (Zëri)

Zëri mentions refers to Michael Steiner's first visit to Skopje since the establishment of the new government. The SRSG signed an agreement on police cooperation between Kosovo and Macedonia. A similar agreement was reached earlier with Belgrade and Tirana.

Both sides say it involves exchanges of information and UNMIK-Macedonia cooperation in war against organized crime, terrorism, female trafficking, drugs and money laundering. But demarcation of Macedonia's northern border was not on the agenda Wednesday in Skopje. 'It is not on my mandate to comment on this,' SRSG Michael Steiner was quoted as saying in Zëri.

UNMIK spokesman Andrea Angeli said yesterday that 'if you look at SC Resolution 1244, you'll see that UN decides on this issue'.

Pillar One justice chief Jean Christian Cady signed the agreement on police cooperation between UNMIK and Macedonia.

According to Steiner, the need to intensify trade relations was stressed at the meetings with President Trajkovski, PM Crvenkovski, Foreign Affairs Minister Mitrva and Vice-President Xhaferi. He also added that opening of two new border crossings with Kosovo could help the issue.

"Discussing more practical issues, we agreed that new investments in the region are necessary, but they are also conditioned on the establishment of peace and cooperation, "Steiner was quoted as saying in Zëri.

Steiner briefed Trajkovski on UNMIK's activities to stabilize the situation in Kosovo and he reconfirmed the UN stance of the validity and relevance of the agreement for the demarcation of the border between Macedonia and Kosovo.

After meeting with Steiner, Mitreva said that UNMIK would respect the border agreement in accordance with the decisions and mandate given by UN SC Resolution 1244.

Steiner told journalists that he had gone to Skopje in order to establish good relations with the new Macedonian government. Zëri says good relations with Kosovo's neighbors has been one of Michael Steiner's priorities since the very beginning of his mission in Kosovo.
Balkans has turned into a free area of trade for criminals, this must change
Koha Ditore carries an interview with NATO Secretary General George Lord Robertson.

Asked about the reasons why Albania was not in the list of the invitees for membership, Lord Robertson said that 'the most simple answer to this question is that it still hasn't fulfilled all conditions'. Nonetheless, Robertson said people should be more reasonable and understand 'the dramatic positive changes that took place in Albania'.

'Albania emerged from a harsh isolation, while today it cooperates with neighbors and western countries for joint interests and aims to be integrated in NATO and the European family,' he said. 'What will determine the integration of Albania and the two other countries, Croatia and Macedonia in NATO, are not dates for their achievements in reforms and the fulfillment of conditions… The doors are open for them and when they meet the known criteria they will be considered serious candidates and then we can talk about sending invitations for membership in NATO.'

Robertson also told Koha Ditore that Albania deserves praise, especially for its conduct and assistance during the conflict in Kosovo. Robertson also praised Albania's engagement in regional initiatives, especially related to the fight against organized crime.

'The regional stability of the Balkans is not only in the interest of the countries of the region, but for the good of whole of Europe,' he said, and said that 'unfortunately, the Balkans has turned into a free trade area for criminals and this must change'.

'The successful fight against organized crime will be one of the tasks that has to be fulfilled by the governments of the countries in the region to get close to integration in NATO and the European Union,' he added.

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Belgrade Update

Spasic: We will block UNMIK and ICTY offices (Nacional)

"Due to the general ignoring of our tragedy that 1,300 members of our families have been kidnapped, and unable to help them on our own, we have decided to block UNMIK and ICTY offices in Belgrade as of Monday," said Simo Spasic, the coordinator of the Association of the families of the kidnapped and missing in Kosovo and Metohija.

Northern Mitrovica Expects Extraordinary Elections (Danas)

"The situation is tense in northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica but it is calming down. People have realized that the establishment of UNMIK administration is an interim phase towards the final solution. The international community needs to understand that Kosovska Mitrovica has two municipalities and the extraordinary elections need to be organized, so that Northern Mitrovica, like southern, could elect its representatives", said Kosovo Assembly presidency member Oliver Ivanovic to Danas daily.

He views that the UNMIK administration needs to handle numerous utility and social problems. "Perhaps, northern Mitrovica is now the cleanest city in the province but not according to our high standards. It is unbearable that we have been living for more than three years with 24-hour-electriciuty-water-phonelines- cuts. The restriction can last from 8-10 hours per day", says Ivanovic. He is positive that our "highest state's officials and people who have not accepted anything which was not in their interests for the three and half years " would be the best guarantee that there will be the gradual transfer of power from the UNMIK administration to legally elected municipal structures.

SNC leader, Milan Ivanovic remarked that "the decision on UNMIK's administration in northern part of Mitrovica and transformation of security forces has been made in an office so the Serb representatives from northern Kosovo did not take part in making the decision".

'We do not agree with that way of making the decisions but we do not want to confront the state. We shall try to get as much as possible from the agreement. In this interim phase, until the elections, we expect to be in six to eight month-time, the UNMIK administrator and six-member advisory council will run the city. Kosovska Mitrovica can be an unified city but if each of us arrange his life. Northern Mitrovica must be a municipality.

SRSG Michael Steiner's interview for TV-Most

Presenter: Today [Monday, 25 November], after the signing of the decree by the UNMIK chief administrator, the unified authority of UNMIK is been established in Kosovska Mitrovica. This was done in agreement and cooperation with Serbian authorities. This is the reason for interviewing tonight's guest, SRSG Michael Steiner. Mr. Steiner, welcome to our show.

Steiner: (in Serbian): Good evening.

Mr. Steiner, what does establishing UNMIK administration mean concretely to Kosovska Mitrovica and the Serbs?
Firstly, let me express my gratitude for being invited to the show. Now, we will try to clarify to the public in the north that we are here in order to serve them. This regards the fields of economic, administrative and security services that we intend to provide to them.

Are there any concrete economic projects being drafted? What would be the next step of UNMIK administration?
There are two concrete projects ahead: I have had a talk with the EU Presidency today [technical problem with sound transmission] ... and enabling the workplaces along with other services they will eventually need, such as accommodation and food. I think this is a very good start for future cooperation My goal is to demonstrate to the public that we are here to provide them with services.

There is this prevailing concern among the Serbs in the north regarding their future. Will there be progress and welfare in the future for them?
I think that the guarantees I have stated today go along these lines: the fact that there will be no incursion from the south and that there will be no intrusion or intimidation. We will keep our promise for both KFOR and the police. There is another thing: citizens in the north know best about their concerns: whether they need security and, moreover, what are the best ways to provide it. Therefore, we have established the Kosovo Police Service, willing to integrate Kosovo Serbs into the service, so that they could patrol and sustain security in this area. We expect that they will assist in improving the security situation and the situation with providing all of the services for the citizens.

As for those who have so far worked with the administration, I have to say that all those who know their job and who are professionals will be welcomed. We would like to have professionals in our administration and to work together with those who are committed to Kosovo's progress.

Serbs, who have until today worked at the municipal office in Kosovska Mitrovica, left the premises peacefully. This demonstrates that the Serbs are ready for partnership with UNMIK and that they are not always the bad guys...
You are absolutely right. What we have witnessed today was a regular and dignified handover of the administration to legitimate structures. And this should not be understood as handover to somebody else. In fact, we would like all those who have been engaged in the former structures of administration - and who know their job - to participate in all this. Therefore, we would like all of those who have worked until today, to apply tomorrow and to see if we can continue the process together.

I think you are right: the way in which the people here worked demonstrates their willingness to cooperate. That is our aim, too. We would like to cooperate and to offer our assistance and service to the people here. And not only here but also in other places in the area. I am here in order to enable some improvement of the life. Let me tell you that, in the end, what we deal here with is the future. Not my future, but the future of all the children, smart children who are willing to stay and live here. In order to make them stay, we have to ensure some perspective for them. This is what we are trying to enable.

UN SC Annan was here and said that what people need here is the "light of legitimacy"; citizens want to have legitimate structures; they want to be part of the legal system and the security - just like in all democratic countries. This is what we are struggling to introduce.

Basically, from what you've been saying, the Serbs who have so far worked within administrative structures should not fear losing their jobs. How will this procedure of hiring workers be accomplished? Can they rest assured of the continuance of their jobs, as of tomorrow?
What we need to do as of tomorrow 8.30 is to start the application process. There are forms that need to be filled. It may take few days until we get acquainted with all the applicants. We will also need to run some qualifications check and do the interviews with all those applying. Throughout Kosovo, we are shrinking the number of our employees, but here we have taken additional measures. Therefore, we are counting on employing some 70 persons that will join the administration. Of course, those who have worked with administration structures before will have advantage in this process. I believe that all those who know their job and who are willing to work with us will have that possibility. We cannot employ all of them. We didn't do it in the south, either. I am aware that we will always have a bigger number of people seeking employment than the number we can afford within our possibilities for employment.

You must not forget the operation of transferring the seat of the Kosovo Trust Agency here. Also some liaison offices from European countries may be interested in coming here. But, firstly, we have to be given a chance to have a proper start here, in order to work for enabling better perspectives. We must not cultivate illusions that everything will work out overnight. We cannot invent workplaces but we can tell foreign investors that this place has demonstrated today its peaceful approach and willingness for progress; and that it is willing to cooperate with the international community. Also, we have to demonstrate to the population that this cooperation with us will be of benefit to them.

Will the Serbs be represented within those administrative structures of UNMIK? There are some reports that a six-member body should be established...
One should know that there will be various departments within these offices, offering various services. We will have people administering at the table, but also people administering within middle levels of administration. We will have the municipal administrator and his deputy at the top. They will need advice. Therefore, I think that it will be a good idea for them to chair this body of advisers who will be comprised of six persons from the north. This council will offer its advices and information on the priorities of the population and the citizens. I am aware that the situation here is quite different from the situation in other municipalities. Everywhere else in north and the south we have now elected representatives in offices. That is not the case here due to the boycott of elections. Therefore, I see this as a way to bring the people closer to the administration and shorten the distance.

I hope we will be getting good advice. I just want to say that we want this to be successful. My main concern is for the people to understand that we are here for them and to see them trusting us. We will be here to protect the interests of the citizens, their safety and to contribute concretely so that the children of Mitrovica could say: This is the place I want to live in.

Prior to this decision you've had contacts with representatives of the Serbian state. How did that coordination work? What's your opinion?
I think that these things do not happen overnight. We had many helpful talks, and I am glad to say that all this had Belgrade's support. I believe the visit by Kofi Annan was of a great help and increased the support. Annan was also in Belgrade where he had talks with President Kostunica, PM Djindjic, although, as you may know, they are not always the best of friends. But it is obvious that they gave their support for this, and that is the most important thing. It is in the best interest of all the citizens here.

What we want is to see people believing in their future here, saying that "this is the real future and prosperity" so that they can focus on the real issues you have mentioned: the economy, employment, the future.

In the end, I think that the majority of those who have been in the countries of Western Europe, who have seen the welfare there - who have seen the way in which Greece profited from international community - understand this. We must include the European Union in these processes, so that it can help elevate the level of development. In the end, this is the middle of Europe.

I'd like to know the way in which you anticipate the coordination between authorities here and at the south?
As you know, local elections took place everywhere in the south and we were obliged to come up with something in order to fill the political vacuum. What we have now is the direct rule of UNMIK, which administers the place and the local services. And no one else. There are no parallel structures, nor the structures from the south. We believe that this is what people expect from us. Our administration will be established here to provide services to the citizens.

Prior to this interview, I said that I must ask you, as a free journalist, about the decision to release my colleague Bojan Bozovic from jail. When will he be released?
It is a very legitimate question. I have heard and I have talked to various officials in Belgrade... I have had talks with the police chief and my deputy running the legal affairs. What I insisted on is to see the procedure proceeding in fair way, meaning the job of the international judge and the prosecutor in absolute accordance to the law. I have also informed his colleagues of the stage we are in at present. However, you must understand one thing: judiciary works independently. I can order many people to do many things, but I cannot order judges or the prosecution. What I can do is to assist with my services in order to accelerate the procedure; however, if the judge issues a verdict I will have to obey it.

The only thing I can say is that we are supervising this process and that I am interested in this case personally since we are dealing here with a journalist. But I cannot order a judge to do anything. Imagine a situation in which the French President or the British PM would order something to a judge. They would lose their jobs in five minutes. Therefore, the only thing I can do is to see the process taking place in a fair way so that justice can be done. And if this person is not guilty of the charges, then the system will absolutely prove this.

Kosovo Serbs have this certain distrust towards UNMIK police representatives and its presence, which, from my own experience, appears quite annoying. Does this mean that, as of tonight, this degree of police presence will decrease?
You see, you should have here in place your own police. Therefore, we would like the Kosovo Police Service to have as much representatives of Kosovo Serbs, from Mitrovica, from the north. Then it would have been much better. Therefore, within legitimate structures you will have your people running the administration, including the police service.

Let me say that Kosovo Serbs are in a difficult position. One cannot ignore incidents taking place. After each progressive step, there are always radical forces willing to engage in some incident. This makes Kosovo Serbs feel unprotected.
One cannot protect everyone in every situation. Therefore, I understand that there are some doubts. However, I have to say that I know the police chief here in Mitrovica very well. He and his colleagues are very much aware of the fact that they have to win the trust of the citizens here.

My only response to your statement that "this is hard to trust" and that "no one knows what these people are doing" - would be: Come, join the police service so that your own people would become part of the police. The same goes for the administration: we remain open to all of the people. The greatest part of our administration here will be comprised of your citizens from the north Mitrovica. Therefore, come and test us.

Finally, are we entering a period of confidence building here in the near future? What would be your advice to the citizens? Should they live in fear after today's decision?
I think you are right. Now, we should prove the righteousness of what we did. We have to win the confidence of Kosovo Serbs. So far, everything went in great order. From now on, we have to demonstrate to the citizens that they can really trust us, and that we really work in their interest.

What are the advantages of the UNMIK presence here? This requires a simple answer: You will have a prospect and become a part of legitimate world. By this you will be giving us a chance to help you in what is probably the biggest Kosovo problem - Mitrovica. You must give us a chance so that the youth, which is the most important thing here, can be given a chance to stay and live here. We must not forget that Serbs have the same rights to stay here...

I hope that the next time you visit this studio, you'll be able to present concrete examples and the results of what you have talked about here.
I only have one other request for the public: We are living in the real world. Results will not come instantly. Maybe there will be disagreements along the way, but you should give us a chance to contribute to the population so we can enable progress for the future.

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