UNMIK/PR/1035
Friday, 19 September 2003

SRSG Harri Holkeri holds private meeting with Bill Clinton

PRISTINA - SRSG Harri Holkeri had a private meeting today with the former President of the United States Bill Clinton.

Mr. Clinton and the SRSG agreed that the priorities for Kosovo included, in particular, strengthening the rule of law, security, building a multi-ethnic society and opening dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade.

The economic situation in Kosovo was also discussed and both parties acknowledged the importance of creating a secure economic environment in Kosovo in order to encourage investment in the region.

Earlier this year Mr. Clinton provided one of the testimonials in the radio campaign "I am Kosovo", encouraging Kosovans to take pride in the multi-ethnic character of Kosovo.

In that campaign message Mr. Clinton noted that "Like America Kosovo has a wealth of diverse people, cultures and customs it can be proud of." His campaign message included the hope that "Kosovo will grow to be a more united society, where understanding prevails over hatred, a society that works together to create a more prosperous, more peaceful, more safe future for the citizens and all the children."