UNMIK/PR/41

Press Release

06 September 1999     

Kouchner Announces Formation of Economic Policy Advisory Board

Pristina - Bernard Kouchner, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, today announced the formation of  the Kosovo Economic Policy Advisory Board.

The Economic Policy Advisory Board will be the advisory body on economic affairs, acting in cooperation with the Kosovo Transitional Council. It will consist of both local experts, representing the political spectrum of Kosovo, and experts appointed by UNMIK.

The Board will propose and advise on matters of importance for the functioning of the economic system in Kosovo. As part of this process, it will be the final filter where the systemic laws are examined before being signed by the Special Representative. The Board’s suggestions will not be binding on the Special Representative, but they will have  moral and professional weight.

The Board will have, at most, eleven members. Those who are not part of UNMIK will receive compensation for their work. The Board will also constitute working groups to examine certain issues in detail, prior to consideration by the Board. The Board will be co-chaired by Joly Dixon, Deputy Special Representative for Economic Reconstruction and Development, and Arji Begu, a distinguished expert in economic and financial affairs with long experience as a professor of economics, public official and author. Other members are:  Zeki Bejtullahu, Adem Grabovci, Sabri Kadriu, Musa Limani, Isa Mustafa, Muhamed Mustafa, Nazim Mustafa, and Riza Sapunxhiu.