PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

20 June 1999

Authority of the Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

Following a decision by the Secretary-General, I arrived in Pristina on 13 June 1999 and assumed my responsibilities as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, ad interim, for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

In accordance with Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) of 10 June 1999, I shall perform the executive functions of government during the transitional period until new legitimate authorities are established to which these functions can be transferred. In this capacity, I will, within the next days, appoint international interim administrators at the district and municipal levels, start the deployment of an international civilian police force, and take the necessary steps to re-establish a multi-ethnic and democratic judicial system in Kosovo.

In implementing these and other responsibilities of the interim civil administration, I will be assisted by other international organizations such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union (EU), and I will coordinate closely with the international security presence in Kosovo, provided by KFOR. Naturally, the development of provisional democratic self-governing institutions must be based on the active participation of the people in Kosovo.

The interim civil administration will ensure conditions for the safe and unimpeded return of refugees and displaced persons and a peaceful coexistence for all people in Kosovo.

In accordance with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), KFOR is responsible for ensuring public safety and order until UNMIK can assume full responsibility for this task.

Sergio Vieira de Mello
Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, a.i. Pristina, 20 June 1999