UNMIK/PR/461
PRESS RELEASE - 30 December 2000

Kouchner to Kosovo: A Peaceful New Year

On this New Year, the real beginning of the new millennium, Kosovo stands at a crossroads.

We have been through an incredible year together, full of progress and tension. Thanks to your own efforts and the decisive support of UNMIK and KFOR, many thousands of people who spent last New Year's Eve in tents are now in warm homes. The power plants, roads and schools are all functioning. The shops are full. Building is booming. Kosovo begins 2001 with a solid economic framework and a balanced budget.

We have put together a substantial body of interim institutions. We held successful democratic elections leading to municipal assemblies which have gone to work taking up the basic functions of self-government all around Kosovo. In 2001, municipal governments will fully assume their authority.

I will elaborate more on the achievements of the past year when I say farewell in the coming days.

However, I take this occasion of the New Year to wish the people of Kosovo the very best for 2001. And by that, I intend to say that 2001 will be a good year in Kosovo only  if-and after-- the violence stops.

Kosovo has made great progress, yes. But the violence here has made a terrible impression on the outside world. The crimes-murders, arson and other attacks-have deeply hurt the people of Kosovo who have struggled for years to be able to enjoy peace and democracy.  This violence, especially against minorities and mainly against Serbs,  imperils your future, in 2001 and beyond.

In my country, we make good resolutions at each New Year. We set ourselves personal goals, which often require great personal effort. I hope that the people of Kosovo will reflect on the occasion of this New Year on how each one of you can contribute personally to promoting tolerance and ending violence. Your personal commitment, --as a parent, a teacher, a friend or even as an unemployed person with war wounds which have not healed-will make the difference. If you, the people of Kosovo, resolve to have a peaceful 2001, you may enjoy a truly bright future.