UNMIK/PR/1033
Thursday, 18 September 2003

SRSG meets with the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini

Today the SRSG Harri Holkeri met in Rome with the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini. The SRSG briefed Mr. Frattini on the political and security situation in Kosovo as well as on the upcoming dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade.

On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, in which the Italian government offered 2.5 million Euro to fund a project for the return of Kosovo Serbs to the villages of Siga, Brestovik and Ljevosa in Peja/Pec municipality. The project is to be implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

"I appreciate the generosity of the Italian authorities, and their recognition of the importance of supporting Kosovo's multi-ethnic future" - said the SRSG Harri Holkeri.

"Achieving success on returns and multi-ethnicity is essential to protect the substantial investment already made by the EU, and Italy, in Kosovo and to dispel the seeds of future conflict" - he added.

The SRSG welcomed the support of the EU presidency and appreciated the great commitment and the pivotal role of the Italian government in building stability in the region. Mr. Holkeri especially appreciated the contribution of COMKFOR General Mini and the invaluable experience of the Italians in fighting organised crime, generously provided by the Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza.