UNMIK/PR/20

Press Release

25 July 1999       

Bernard Kouchner Issues First UNMIK Regulation in Kosovo

PRISTINA - The Special Representative of the Secretary General Bernard Kouchner today issued the first regulation on the authority of the Interim Administration in Kosovo.

Regulation No. 1999/1, introduced in a press conference held at KFOR headquarters, outlines the full authority of the SRSG and provides a legislative basis for the exercise of government powers foreseen in Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). It states that all legislative and executive authority Kosovo is vested in UNMIK and is exercised by the SRSG and he has the power to appoint any person to perform functions in the civil administration.

Also by the regulation, all persons undertaking public duties must observe internationally recognized human rights standards and should not discriminate against any person on any grounds. The regulation adds that the laws applicable in the territory of Kosovo prior to 24 March 1999 shall continue to apply in Kosovo insofar as they do not conflict with international human rights standards or the fulfillment of UNMIK’s mandate. The resolution also states that UNMIK has the authority to administer all state property in Kosovo, including monies and bank accounts.

Under the mandate established by the international community, UNMIK is the legal authority in Kosovo, the SRSG said. We intend to exercise that authority fully.

Also during the press conference, held jointly with KFOR Commander Lt. Gen. Sir Michael Jackson, Dr. Kouchner said UNMIK was working closely with the people of Kosovo to advance its main priorities: the restoration of law and order; the re-establishment of essential public services; the provision of critical humanitarian services; and the launching of political and economic processes which will include and benefit all residents of Kosovo.

Since UNMIK’s inception, it has taken a number of measures to fulfill those objectives.  It has deployed Civil Administrators in each of the five districts around Kosovo and it was working to re-establish basic services such as water, electricity and health facilities and, in collaboration with others, was preparing to re-open schools. In addition, UNMIK has worked urgently to restore credible mass media and it will provide information directly to the people for the first time on Wednesday through Radio Television Pristina.

He added that progress had been made in mobilizing donor funds in order to pay salaries for essential municipal workers and other emergency needs. Measures have been taken to form the new Kosovo Police Service and candidates have collected some 8,000 applications for places in the training programme. UNMIK was also preparing a basic budget for the Kosovo economy which includes using custom duties and excise taxes to raise revenues.

The international community, through UNMIK, has taken on tremendous responsibilities toward the people of Kosovo, Dr. Kouchner said. The people of Kosovo also have responsibilities: they must look to the their future. They must end the killing and the intolerance now, and turn their considerable energy and talent to building democratic self-government.