UNMIK/PR/893
Monday, 16 December 2002

Ambassador Ole Peter Kolby- Remarks at final Press Conference following Security Council Kosovo visit, Pristina/Prishtinë, Dec. 16, 2002

SRSG Michael Steiner

Good morning, I am very pleased to have this press conference after the visit of the Security Council in Kosovo. We were very happy that the Security Council, despite all of its important tasks, has come to Kosovo to see the situation for themselves and has expressed an interest in the developments here. I feel supported in the work of the mission. It is good to have you here.

Ambassador Ole Peter Kolby
The Security Council has found this to be a very, very useful visit. As you know we were here a year-and-a-half ago and it was time for us to update ourselves on the situation. You all heard the speech I made on Saturday on behalf of the Security Council members. The message of the Security Council has been consistent. What we have seen here in Kosovo underscores the validity of this message. But I have to say that compared to what we saw here eighteen months ago, there has been substantial progress.

The establishment of institutions is a major step forward and the security situation has improved significantly. The Kosovo police service is taking on increasing responsibility for law and order. The returns process is underway, albeit on a small scale, and the process of privatization is on track.

We are very impressed by the work of UNMIK and KFOR as well as the dedication shown by local political leaders. It is very important that this work continue. The first steps have been taken but more remains to be done. This is vital if Kosovo is to become a multiethnic and democratic society.

Questions

AP – What you are saying today is completely different from what you said Saturday, which was quite bleak. Why suddenly is everything on track?

Ambassador Kolby – I stand by what I said Saturday and this was my introduction here and you have my speech. This still stands. But what has perhaps not been reflected was that there has been progress. But what we want to focus on is not only progress, we wanted to deliver a message on the way forward and on what needs to be done. The speech yesterday was directed to the local leaders here in Kosovo. It’s what they need to do to move forward.

BBC Serbian – Are we going to have any amendments to 1244 and what will be your message to Belgrade?

Ambassador Kolby – The message to Belgrade will be the purpose of the visit here and that we found it useful afterwards to go to Belgrade. We will explain in Belgrade what we have seen here and also the message we have conveyed here and then we will talk about the relationship with Belgrade. One message we will deliver is that we won’t accept parallel structures in Kosovo.

No, there will be no amendments to 1244.

Contact Radio (Serbian) – You talk of successes. Do you know there are more than 2,000 missing people who have not been found and 200 religious buildings destroyed?

Ambassador Kolby – We are saying that progress has been made, there is no doubt. But as I said, a lot remains to be done and there is no doubt about this either. We are aware of the fact that there are many missing persons and this is on our mind. And we and UNMIK will continue to focus on the question of missing persons. This is one of the many issues that needs to be resolved. So rest assured about that.

AP – Mr. Kolby, are you happy with the cooperation with KFOR? Do you think this cooperation is on the right track and what did KFOR tell you?

Ambassador Kolby – Yes, we met KFOR yesterday and our people are satisfied with the cooperation with KFOR and that KFOR is working closely with UNMIK. These two organizations go together and they work well together and we think their continued presence here is very important