LETTER to the EDITOR, 1 November 2001

We wish to correct the information published in SRNA news today concerning an alleged statement made by UNMIK Spokeswoman Susan Manuel at the press-conference in Pristina that "she expected a joint declaration with Yugoslav authorities and UNMIK head Hans Haekkerup tomorrow in Belgrade", but that this depended on the result of their negotiations over a so called "hotline".

Susan Manuel did not at any stage say anything that could even possibly be construed in this fashion. She certainly did not mention the signing of a declaration or some "hotline". What she said was: " We expect this meeting with President Kostunica should be more or less definitive. There may be further meetings but there are none scheduled other than the one with President Kostunica tomorrow."

Susan Manuel also said: "We are trying to come up with common language by which the Belgrade authorities could urge Kosovo Serb participation in the elections". On a number of questions about the conditions that Belgrade is asking for she made it clear that the points under discussion are not going to be discussed publicly while the talks are still going on.

It is false to quote UNMIK Spokesperson as saying that she expected a joint declaration to be signed. I would be grateful if this could be corrected as soon as possible.

Simon Haselock,

Director of Public Information,
UNMIK